This large and unique map of Grand Rapids is based upon a map published by the White Printing Company. Although it was originally designed as a street map with index, this version of the map was used by the Chief Engineer's Office of the Pennsylvania Railroad and updated by hand with railroad ownership information. The added legend at bottom identifies the tracks of four different railroad companies, with the Pennsylvania Railroad and New York Central forming the majority of the city's railroad network. Manuscript annotations identify other items of interest to the railroad, including a rail yard, stations, and spur lines. Dissected and laid down on linen. Self-folds into brown cloth wrappers.

The Pennsylvania Railroad was established in 1846 and by the 1880s had become the largest railroad (and corporation) in the world. It continued to prosper and grow by acquisition through the first half of the 20th century. The Pennsylvania Railroad merged with the New York Central in 1968, resulting in the Penn Central, but the combined company met its demise only two years later. The assets of the Pennsylvania Railroad are now owned by Amtrak and Norfolk Southern.

References:

Condition: B+

Issued folding, dissected and backed with linen. There is a hint of toning and light staining in the top left and right corners due to the adhesive used to attach the cloth wrappers.