1938 Richardson Rome Pictorial Map of Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

One of the most beloved National Parks.

This is a 1938 Richardson Rome pictorial map of Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park was one of the most popular national parks in the country when this map was published and remains popular with visitors to this day. Over 4 million visitors marveled at the park's stunning vistas in 2023, making Rocky Mountain National Park the fifth most-visited national park.

A Closer Look

A truly verdant map, famous lakes, mountain peaks, and other sites are identified. Among these are Longs Peak, Bear Lake, Dream Lake, and the Never Summer Range. Cabins, lodges, hotels, and tourist accommodations are illustrated and labeled. World Famous Trail Ridge Road winds its way into the mountains near the Harmony Guest Ranch and reaches the Trail Ridge Museum before crossing the Continental Divide. Many of Rocky Mountain National Park's animal residents are also illustrated, including elk, deer, and a bat. Home to the headwaters of the mighty Colorado River, a drop literally runs its way down Phantom Valley (it's drawn with legs and a face) on its way to Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. A view of beautiful Bear Lake adorns the right border, and a stunning view of Grand Lake, the largest natural body of water in Colorado, appears on the opposite side.

Publication History and Census

This map was published by the Rocky Mountain Motor Company in 1948. There are at least 3 editions:

• First Edition (1938): Created and published by Richardson Rome.
• Second Edition (1938): Reads 'created by Richardson Rome' and credits 'Rome Creations, Denver, Colo.' Present example.
• Third Edition (1948): Issued for the Rocky Mountain Motor Company.

Four examples of the present 1938 Rome Creations edition are listed in the OCLC. They are part of the collections at the University of Michigan, Southern Illinois University, the Denver Public Library, and the University of Wyoming. We are aware of one other example in private hands. Examples of the 1948 edition are cataloged in OCLC at the University of Colorado Boulder and the David Rumsey Map Collection.

Cartographer

Richardson Rome (January 5, 1902 - April 4, 1981), known among friends as Dick, was an American watercolorist, engraver, etcher, and block printer. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Rome attended the University of Minnesota, although none of his works have been identified as illustrated scenes from Minnesota. At some point he moved to Colorado and lived for years in Estes Park where along with Dave Sterling, he operated Rome Creations, a stationary ship featuring his etchings. Many of his works features scenes from Rocky Mountain National Park.He issued several interesting pictorial maps starting in 1930 with his Estes Rocky Mountain National Park Grand Lake (1930), followed by The Mountain Empire of the West (1934), and then multiple editions of his Rocky Mountain National Park.   Further Details...

Condition

Very good. Light creasing. Closed margin tear professionally repaired on verso.

References

OCLC 66907817, 31849859.