Route map and schedule of the Incomparable Empire Builder

Interesting map and timetable showing the route of the Empire Builder between Portland and Chicago.

Traveling initially between St. Paul and Seattle, with eventual extensions to Chicago and Portland, the Great Northern Railway was one of several transcontinental railroads formerly in operation across the United States. The “Empire Builder” route can be seen here in full, spread across two sheets of a brochure and timetable outlining the journey in detail from east to west.

Pictorial elements give the audience an exaggerated impression of the landscape, major landmarks, and industries along the way. Geographic accuracy is completely thrown out the window, as borders of each state along the route is stretched or stunted to maximize the available area and highlight the relative importance of the rail line.

Accompanying text provides highlights of stops and points of interest, while inset plans add contextual information on time zones and an overview of the Empire Builder route. Published in 1961 by the Great Northern Railway.