Guidebook of the Western United States Part D. The Shasta Route and Coast Line

Revisiting two important routes of the Southern Pacific Railroad.

“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 1916 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 two important rail lines operated by the Southern Pacific Railroad on the West Coast – the Shasta Route (San Francisco to Oregon) and the Coast Line (San Francisco to Los Angeles).

The guidebook was written to be read along the train, with a narrative that combines geology lesson, contemporary tour, and history lectures. An emphasis is given to economic geology (mining) and recreation. Accompanying photographs, diagrams, and tables of data provide additional context to the audience. The work also includes numerous photographs and 16 fold-out maps that highlight local geographic features, rock formations, and topographic details visible from the train.