Milner Pass Continental Divide Sign Photograph #CML-3390
Brief Description
A man stands next to the Continental Divide sign on top of Milner Pass midway through the 20th century. The sign reads 10,759 feet, a measurement that remains the same today.
Info
- Date: Circa 1947-'52
- Photographer: Unknown
- Medium: Original Photograph
- Size: 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"
- ID: CML-3390
- Acquisition Date: February 2024
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Scanned with basic cropping, no enhancements.
Image use restricted.
Image Dating Comments
This slide can be dated to sometime between 1947 and 1952 by comparing the weathering and markings on the sign with other signs pictured in this archive.
This photo from 1947 has virtually no damage to the border area around the sign’s edge. Meanwhile, this photo from 1952 has some of the same damage and markings that are seen in this photo, plus the sign has some additional damage. Specifically, it has acquired some markings along the upper left edge by 1952, and those markings cannot be seen here.
Backside
Comments & Discussion
This photo came to these archives via a seller who had pulled this from a family photo album that they had acquired. The album included vacation pictures from road trips around Texas, Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Oklahoma areas.
Many photos in this archive came from the states directly surrounding Colorado. This is where people traveled from most often during the first half of the 20th century. Many photos, including this one, also have men who are smoking because this was common during this time period.
Full Scan
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: There is no surface cracking or spidering. Mild browning can be seen around the edges as a sign of genuine aging.
About the Coloradotopia Archives. 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 Coloradotopia archive project here.