This strip map was created by H.R. Page & Co., a Canadian map maker. They compiled several contemporary Midwestern state maps and atlases as well as many railroad maps for various companies. Their maps are generally very clear and readable.

The unique map states, "The above three sections showing the line of railroad from Chicago to San Francisco giving distances, elevations above the sea, quality of soil and country, population of towns and cities, lakes, rivers, mountains, connecting railroad lines and all items of interest of which a traveller would desire to know, in regard to the Great Route Across the continent. Armed with this Guide, the passenger needs no further information."

The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, commonly called "The Burlington" began operation in 1849 with a single passenger train running from Aurora to Chicago.

The rail line became known as one of the finest "granger roads," a railroad serving agricultural areas. They began to haul regular freight in 1862 and expanded greatly over the next several decades. In 1939, despite the general decline of passengers, The Burlington created the famous "Zephyrs" which set new standards for comfortable railroad travel. The "Pioneer Zephyr" was the first regularly scheduled diesel-electric streamlined passenger train. On May 26, the CB&Q staged one of the greatest transportation events ever-a 1,000-mile record-breaking, non-stop run from Denver to the World's Fair in Chicago, reaching speeds of more than 100 miles per hour. The Zephyr was the forerunner of thousands of diesels which, after World War II, replaced steam locomotives on virtually every railroad in the country.

The changing economy, the train industries narrow view of what business they were in, the huge growth in truck transport and airplanes, all took their toll on the industry and by the 1940's, major mergers were occurring. Burlington Northern became Burlington Northern Santa Fe in 1995, and operates primarily in the western states.

Medium : 1 map, color

Created/Published : Chicago, 1879

Creator : H.R. Page & Co.

Housed in the Geography and Map Division of the Library of Congress

Availability: Usually ships in one week

Product #: rr003560