1933 Map of Trunk Highway System, State of Minnesota

Stats:

Size: 38" x 32" unfolded, 5.5" x 9.5" folded (no cover)

Scale: 1 inch = 12 miles

Cartographer: McGill - Warner Co, St. Paul

Conditions as of: April 1, 1933

Commissioner of Highways: N. W. Elsberg

Map Type: McGill-Warner (1933)

(Mouse over the map to see the reverse side)

Previous Year (1932) | Maps Home | Next Year (1937)

Comments:

• Last map issued showing Minnesota's original constitutional route system (the system was enlarged and renumbered in 1934).
• Last map issued that has no cover when folded.
• The 1933 map was a sort of transitional map format. Although strikingly different in appearance from the maps before it, it still used the same basic layout and folding pattern as the maps issued from 1923 to 1932. The cartography of the 1933 map served as the prototype for the maps issued from 1934 until the 1940 early edition , though these were modified to include a cover, and be more tourism oriented.
• The cartography on the front of the map has been significantly updated, with finer lines used to symbolize roads (the symbolism for road improvement status is the same as in 1932). The base map is similar to the previous one, but includes a few updates, including a compass rose, and a new font for the county labels.
• Yellow and green tints have been added, making this map much more colorful than the maps issued from 1923 to 1932. The yellow tints are used for the county lines, and in the Twin Cities inset to show the incorporated area of Minneapolis and St. Paul (the inset uses the same cartography used in previous maps). Green tints are used to show state parks and national forests (added in 1933).
• The format of the map legend has been updated. The format introduced in 1933 was used through the 1940 early edition.

   

An example (above) of the mileage tables included on the back side of the 1932 and 1933 official maps (old state route 14 and 15 are shown as examples).

A close-up (left) of the updated cartography of the 1933 official highway map. The most striking change is the updated use of color. Yellow and green tints have been added, making the map much more aesthetically pleasing. Also note the finer lines used for roads.

The map symbolism has been updated slightly (see below). Note the symbol for "Blue Star Routes, Thru City". Lastly, note the the new symbol for state parks and national forests, which take advantage of the new green tints.

A close-up of the Winona area (below). The Blue Star route symbol is visible just south of Winona. Also note Garvin Heights State Park, now a city park.

Image taken from the Minnesota Digital Library - (http://reflections.mndigital.org/u?/mdt,225)

A close-up of the 1933 Twin Cities inset, which takes full advantage of the added yellow and green tints. Note US 65 using South Robert Street into St. Paul (South Robert was not technically a part of the trunk highway system at the time).