Guidebook of the Western United States Part A. The Northern Pacific Route

Revisiting the Northern Pacific Railroad about 30 years after it was first completed.

“The United States of America comprise an area so vast in extent and so diverse in natural features as well as in characters due to human agency that the American citizen who knows thoroughly his country must have traveled widely and observed wisely.” – pg. 3.

This engaging and informative volume was compiled by members of the United States Geological Survey and published in 1915 by the Government Printing Office of Washington, D.C. It was one of four tourist/educational works issued by the U.S.G.S. to highlight America’s historic railways. This example covers the Northern Pacific Route from St. Paul to Seattle, with a brief stopoff at the entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The guidebook was written to be read along the train, with a narrative that combines geology lesson, contemporary tour, and history lecture.

An emphasis is given to economic geology (mining) and recreation. Accompanying photographs, diagrams, and tables of data provide additional context to the audience. Notable observations (surprisingly progressive, for the day) include the smoke from the Anaconda smelting plant, the forced removal of Native Americans, and the historic legacy of Jim Bridger. The work also includes 27 fold-out maps (plus index) that highlight local geographic features, rock formations, and topographic details visible from the train. Also of interest is a comprehensive index of the railroad stations along the route, some of which are now abandoned or ghost towns.