1921 Berthoud Pass Continental Divide Sign Photograph #CB-1921-PAL4
Brief Description
The Continental Divide sign and travelers registration box are pictured here on top of Berthoud Pass in 1921. This image comes from an original photograph that has been scanned from the Coloradotopia archives.
Info
- Date: July 3, 1921
- Photographer: Unknown
- Medium: Original Photograph
- Size: 3" x 2"
- ID: CB-1921-PAL4
- Acquisition Date: December 2024
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Scanned with basic cropping, no enhancements.
Image use restricted.
Image Dating Comments
The year 1921 can be seen written in pen on the front. The date of July 3, 1921, can be seen written in the same handwriting on other photos from this lot, and it is believed that these were all captured on the same day.
Backside Scan
Full Scan
Comments & Discussion
This photo is part of a larger lot containing several photos. This photo is zoomed-in the most, and gives a good look at the US Forest Service logo on the travelers registration box sign. Notice the altitude of 11,330′. Later signs would list an altitude of 13,306′, 13, 315′, 13,314′, and 13, 307′ (current).
Signs like this were seen on the mountain passes in Colorado during the 1910s and 1920s. You can see one like it on Tennessee Pass here.
See this photo along with the others that came with it in the pair of photographs below. Find the ‘previous image’ link near the bottom of this page to navigate to see the other sign photos from this lot.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: There is a matte surface with no major damage. There is some discoloration on the right side of the front. A large piece has been cut from the bottom left corner of this one. There is also a piece fraying on the right side that will likely get trimmed at some point. The backside has acquired a small amount of dirt, especially in one spot.
About the Coloradotopia Archives Collection. The Coloradotopia archives hold a large collection of historical images and items that document Colorado’s automobile history in the mountains. You can read more about the collection here.
