[ Walker Lithograph & Publishing Co. ]

Automobile Map of MASSACHUSETTS (Eastern Part.) [ 1909 ]

221 High St. Boston, Mass: Walker Lithograph & Publishing Co. 1909. 33 5/8 x 27 1/2 inches. Multi-color map printed on paper, segmented into twenty-one sections laid on linen as issued. Folds to 4 3/4 x 9 1/4 inches (paper size, small additional dimensions with linen). Currently behind shrinkwrap on foam board, but will be shipped folded as issued unless otherwise instructed. We can remove shrinkwrap and photograph the back of the map if needed (just ask). Very Good. [28013]


The earliest "Massachusetts automobile map" found in OCLC is by George H. Walker & Co. in 1906, followed by(presumably an update) in 1907. This map, dated 1909, was produced by Walker Lith & Pub. Co, Boston, Mass. OCLC notes one other imprint, that of "Automobile Club of America" also by Walker, in 1906. There are four major transportation methods recorded: State Roads, Good Automobile Routes, Other Routes, and Electric Railways. All of these categories were in major flux during this time, and this snapshot shows what was in place in 1909.

The map predates the earliest major US Federal Govt funding of roadways. "The U.S. federal government first funded roadways through the Federal Aid Road Act of 1916, and began an effort to construct a national road grid with the passage of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1921. After Dwight D. Eisenhower became president in 1953, his administration developed a proposal for an interstate highway system, eventually resulting in the passage of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956. Construction of the Interstate Highway System was proclaimed complete in 1992, though some planned routes were canceled and several routes have stretches that do not fully conform with federal standards. The cost of construction of the Interstate Highway System was approximately $114 billion (equivalent to $521 billion in 2018)." (wikipedia)

The development of the national roadway system was a major economic driver, here shown at the beginning of the 20th century.

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