Rocky Mountain National Park

Vibrant postwar pictorial map of Rocky Mountain National Park.

This dramatic representation of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park was created by Richardson Rome and self-published by his Rome Creations of Denver in 1948. Estes Park Village and Grand Lake Village are separated by the spine of the Rocky Mountains, carefully illustrated with prominent peaks individually labeled.

The legend in the lower right identifies the symbols used to denote transportation routes, local accommodations (including dude ranches), and geographic features. It also comes with an amusing caveat – “If lost in region for more than thirty days – ask a native where you are – cartographer of this map not responsible.” The lighthearted humor extends to several vignettes scattered throughout the image, including the ‘wet cloud waiting for a picnic’ hovering ominously over the horizon. Views of Grand Lake and Dream Lake can be seen in the upper corners and a brief history of Rocky Mountain National Park is provided in the lower left.

One of three editions illustrated by Rome and published between 1938 and 1948. The original was also issued by Rome Creations, but a slightly different 1948 edition was published by the Rocky Mountain Motor Company.

Sources: Rumsey 9965.0000 (1938 edition); Alternate 1948 edition at Geographicus