[Highway Maps of Montana]

Complete collection of detailed road maps of Montana, possibly owned by a well-known Western author.

This interesting collection of county road maps covers the entirety of the state of Montana across forty-six individually lithographed sheets. Though they were possibly originally published together as part of a spiral binder (note the hole punches on the left side of the sheets), the only covers that remain are comprised of worn brown paper to which is affixed a simple table of contents. Also of note is a small label on the front cover noting possible previous ownership by Marshall Sprague, a popular American journalist who wrote widely about the American West.

Each sheet is accompanied by a comprehensive legend that identifies the various symbols used to denote the transportation network, relevant infrastructure, traveler’s amenities, local businesses, and recreational opportunities. Even specialized locations of interest such as Civilian Conservation Corps Camps, beet dumps, hot springs, and country clubs are labeled, where applicable. Taken as a whole, the group of maps provides a comprehensive overview of Montana’s primary economic concerns around the period of American entry into World War II.

The maps were prepared by the Montana State Highway Department and originally date to 1936. The year prior, the organization underwent a major reorganization and began issuing its first highway maps under new director D. A. McKinnon. Each sheet has been revised as of December 31, 1941, the same year that Congress passed the Defense Highway Act.

Source: Montana Department of Transportation History