Rand, McNally & Co.’s Minnesota

Minnesota’s railroads after the turn of the century.

Railroads were the primary mechanism for commerce and transportation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Access to accurate information was important to a variety of enterprises, and numerous firms specialized in the publication of railroad maps, timetables, and tickets. Rand McNally & Co, established in Chicago shortly after the Civil War, is perhaps the best known example.

The company published this map of Minnesota, issued in the 1901 edition of Rand, McNally & Co.’s Enlarged Business Atlas and Shippers’ Guide. Railroad information is presented with a red overlay that was applied after the base map was printed. This allowed for any last minute changes necessary for an industry known for frequent bankruptcies, consolidations, and takeovers.

Two inset maps are included; the northeast corner of Cook County (upper right) and the area around Minneapolis and St. Paul (lower right). An index of the state’s most populous cities is included along the edge of the sheet. Each entry includes coordinates that correspond to the border of the map, making for a quick and easy reference.