Rabbit Ears Pass Continental Divide Sign Photograph #CRA-B01
Brief Description
This is one of the earliest Continental Divide signs from Rabbit Ears Pass. It was located on the opposite side of the roadway from where many of the later signs were added in this location.
Info
- Date: Circa 1940s
- Photographer: Unknown
- Medium: Photograph
- Size: 2 3/4" x 4 1/2"
- ID: CRA-B01
- Acquisition Date: April 2024
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Scanned with basic cropping, color correction, auto white balance.
Image use restricted.
Image Dating Comments
This photograph was likely captured sometime during the 1940s. The sign is consistent with other signs that were seen on Colorado’s mountain passes during this decade.
This archive has many images that were captured in the early 1950s that show the Continental Divide signs on the opposite side of the road here.
Backside Scan
Full Scan
Comments & Discussion
Water that flows to the right of this sign is destined for the Pacific Ocean. Water that flows to the left will be headed to the Atlantic.
In addition to comparing this photo to others in the archive, another way that this one can be historically dated comes as a result of the Colorado State Highway Dept. lettering that can be seen here. This would have been added before 1953, when that department’s name was changed.
Photos and postcards of this sign are rare compared to photos of this same location from the 1950s.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: The backside has faded Kodak Velox labeling, lots of darkened areas due to aging, and possible water stains. The front surface still has some glossiness but is starting to show signs of degradation. The large, magnified scan shows signs of aging around the edges.
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.
