Illustrated Map of the Great Southwest

Pictorial celebration of the great American southwest.

Americans had time to kill in the years immediately following WWII, and many of them took to the roads to enjoy their new freedoms in a world free of war. Pictorial maps such as this were designed to be eye-catching gateways directing visitors to tourist areas across the United States.

This particular example emphasizing the American southwest was distributed by the Fred Harvey Company. Fred Harvey got his start by building restaurants along new railroads that spread west in the late 19th century, and is credited with creating the first restaurant chain; the Harvey House. By the time Harvey died in 1901, his family inherited 45 restaurants and 15 dining cars in operation across 12 states. He left a tradition of customer service and dedication to the west evident in this publication, which heavily emphasizes the topography and natural beauty of the region.

Also of interest is the comprehensive index to Native American signs and symbols, including those specific to Navajo and Pueblo Indians.