Section No. 2 Cram’s Highway Map of the Central States Illinois Indiana Michigan Wisconsin And portions of Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, and Ohio

The roads of the Midwest shortly after the introduction of U.S. Numbered Highways

This utilitarian road map was published in 1928 by the George Cram Company of Indianapolis. Primary highways across four Central states, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan (plus parts of their neighbors) are shown using three different styles of lines. Each approximates the surface conditions of the indicated route: Paved, Improved, and Unimproved. Beware dirt roads in wet weather!

Small numbers indicate State and U.S. Highways, with the former enclosed within their distinctive shield. Of particular interest is the iconic Route 66 running from Chicago through Missouri, but still unpaved south of St. Clair. Distances between points are noted, connecting towns large and small across the Midwest in the midst of the Prohibition Era. The map is affixed to folding paper covers that advertise several local businesses, including restaurants, hotels, service stations, and retailers.