Poates Highway and Regional Guide of the United States

America’s highway network the year prior to the official federal numbering.

“The Highway and Regional Guide of the United States is the most up to date and convenient set of maps for practical everyday use. Its convenience rests, not only on the fact that the maps are clear, simple and authentic, but mainly because the Guide is divided into sections which may, when desired, be had separately.” – pg. 2.

This uncommon atlas was copyrighted in 1925 and published by the L.L. Poates Publishing Co., Inc. of New York. Designed with the traveler in mind, the riveted binding allows for the easy removal of individual sheets while the protective cover allows the volume to be tightly rolled (presumably for a glove compartment). An index, origin of state names, list of road mileage by state, and other interesting facts are followed by a ‘key’ map of the national highway network and color illustrations of trans-continental pole markers.

State maps are organized into three sections: the Atlantic Coast, the Mississippi Valley, and the Pacific Coast. Each entry is depicted twice – once in full color, akin to a ‘regular’ atlas map (i.e. showing railroads, towns, county outlines, etc.). A second, more skeletal state plan outlines the primary highways, although no distinction is made between varying surfaces. A ‘Descriptive Sketch’ of each region, a few black and white photographs, and an index of place names are also included.