1959 Independence Pass Continental Divide Sign Photograph #CIN-AUG59A
Brief Description
This photograph from the Coloradotopia archives shows 3 signs at the top of the Continental Divide at Independence Pass.
Info
- Date: August 1959
- Photographer: Unknown
- Medium: Original Photograph
- Size: 3.5" x 3.5"
- ID: CIN-AUG59A
- Acquisition Date: February 2024
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Scanned with basic cropping, no enhancements.
Image use restricted.
Image Dating Comments
The photograph has an ink-stamped date of August 1959. This is presumed to be the development date. The few small remaining patches of snow in the background suggest the photo may have been taken in July or August.
Backside
Full Scan
Comments & Discussion
The sign reads 12,095 ft. in altitude, just as it still measures today. This might not seem noteworthy, but consider that many of Colorado’s major passes and summits have had their altitudes adjusted over the last 100 years as surveying has become more accurate. The elevation displayed on the Berthoud Pass signs has changed 4 times since the early 1900s.
While the graffiti on these signs is generally unappreciated, in this case, there is enough that it can be useful in dating images of these signs. This archive has an image from 1960 that shows the progression of new graffiti and fading of the old graffiti (this is not logged or uploaded yet as of Oct 2024).
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: The backside shows that the photograph was mounted onto another surface at some point, likely in an album or a black display backing. There is warping in at least 3 areas. There are minimal instances of surface cracking, and those that are visible are mostly only in areas where there has been some creasing.
About the Coloradotopia Archives. The Coloradotopia archives hold a large collection of historical images that document Colorado’s auto history in the mountains. You can read more about the Coloradotopia archive project here.
