Union Railway Industrial Map of Memphis, Tennessee
$350.00
A bright assessment of Memphis industry during the Great Depression.
1 in stock
Description
This fascinating street plan of Memphis, Tennessee, was designed by H.A. Doerr, draftsman for the Union Railway Company, ca. 1930. The vibrantly colored image highlights the breadth of commercial enterprises served by the switching railroad, which operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Missouri Pacific Railroad. A slightly oblique perspective, with northeast at the top, presents the city limits in green and the outskirts in yellow. Bold red lines indicate the principal trackage of the Union Railway, connecting its various junctions, rail yards, industrial areas, and Union Station.
Nearly 200 different businesses are labeled throughout, reflecting the breadth of Memphis’ manufacturing and commercial economy. Various destinations served by the Missouri Pacific are emphasized on the opposite bank of the Mississippi River. The map was fundamentally an advertising piece for the Union Railway, which promoted itself as a “Service Institution.” Further promotional text appears on the verso, along with simple diagrammatic overviews of the Missouri Pacific’s major areas of operation.
The work is uncommon, with only two examples listed in WorldCat, at the University of Alabama and the Tennessee State Library. At least one further example is known in private hands.
Sources: OCLC# 1379814449, 945723079, BigBlueTrains
Map Details
Publication Date: c. 1930
Author: H.A. Doerr
Sheet Width (in): 40
Sheet Height (in): 31.75
Condition: B+
Condition Description: Large double-sided map creased and lightly wrinkled along old folds. About 1" near the dead center of the sheet shows a small tear with very minor image loss - likely clipped when the map was folded. Two small marks in red pencil, center left. Otherwise in good condition, with light marginal wear and small bits of wear at fold joints.
$350.00
1 in stock