1906 "Tourists Guide to Colorado Springs, Manitou, Colorado City and Pike's Peak Region" by The Clanson Map Company

Presented is Clason's Guide Map to Colorado Springs, Manitou, Colorado City and Pike's Peak Region, published in Denver in 1906 by the Clason Map Company. Issued as a tourist map of the city, the map identifies roads, rivers, and lakes, offers topographical and elevation data, and marks all railroad routes, some of which are further outlined in dark red. In town, a key identifies tourist spots like hotels, sanitariums, hospitals, and churches, marking them with triangles, circled crosses, crosses, and arrows. The legend further differentiates between roads, street car tracks, railroads, wagon roads, and trails, for easy navigation. 

The border panels around the map are printed with advertisements for the local businesses. Viewers of the map could peruse fine food and beverage offerings like Manitou Table Water and Ginger Champagne, Vincent’s Beet Sugar Syrup, and Kuner’s Pickles, find saddle horses for ladies at the Club Stables, or even consider a real estate purchase through Wills, Spackmen, and Kent. 

This is a very scarce map of Colorado Springs, so much so that the OCLC locates only a single physical copy held by the University of Colorado. 

The Clason Map Company was founded by George Samuel Clason in Denver, Colorado in 1905. Capitalizing on the bounty of the Nevada and Colorado mining industry, Clason’s first published maps were mining and mineral maps of the region. Later on, he transitioned to railroad and city maps of the local area. In the 1920’s, as cars became more commonplace, the Clason Map Company was the first to publish a modern road atlas of the United States. Their success allowed Clason to open a satellite office in Chicago and later Los Angeles.

CONDITION:

Very good condition. Folding map. Printed in red and black. Very light foxing and small tears at folds from ill creasing, with no loss to map. Map measures 15 1/2” H x 26 1/4" W. 

Framed to the highest archival standards, with acid-free mats, and a custom-built wooden frame.

Framed dimensions: 22 1/4" H x 29 1/2" W x 1" D.