1970 Independence Pass Continental Divide Sign Kodachrome Slide #CIN-70C13
Brief Description
This image has been scanned from a Kodachrome slide. There are two Independence Pass signs visible here. The main sign in the center of the photo was added by the US Forest Service. Along the right side of the photo, a green sign that was added by the state’s highway department can be partially seen.
Info
- Date: Oct. 1970 (dev.)
- Photographer: Unknown
- Medium: Kodachrome Slide
- Size: 35mm
- ID: CIN-70C13
- Acquisition Date: March 2024
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Scanned with basic cropping, digital enhancements unknown.
Image use restricted.
Image Dating Comments
This slide has an ink-stamped development date of October 1970. The snowpack shown in the background indicates that the photo was taken much earlier in the year, likely in the late spring or early summer.
Comments & Discussion
The colors seem to be fairly accurate in this image, but this photo has a unique final appearance due to the combination of the stormy sky, brown/yellow tundra, and mountains that come close to matching the color scheme of the sign.
The sign that is shown here is similar to the signs added on the other Continental Divide passes around this time. While this would be considered the modern design, there are a few different versions of it which could be seen around the state in the decades that would follow this photo.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: No obvious signs of damage. There is only slight fading of the black date stamp ink.
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.
