Take a virtual tour of scenic Rocky Mountain National Park, which, and the resorts at Estes Park and Grand Lake, Colorado. See historic lodges and lakes, travel through scenic Big Thompson Canyon and view picturesque mountain ranges along the way. Over 40
"Yellowstone is one of America's best known national parks.... Steeped in history, this national treasure is brought to life through the photography of I-Ting Chiang, whose work has been paired with historic postcards to showcase the enduring qualities of America's first national park. Scenes include the parks's famous geysers and mud pots, canyon waterfalls, lakes, valleys, and wildlife, plus the most renowned of all the lodges in the national park system, Old Faithful Inn. Where stagecoaches were once the primary mode of transportation and luxury hotels were built to serve wealthy train travelers, this book shows how the automobile and the park's Grand Loop Road system expanded the park's accessibility and affordability. Here too, the resurgence of the largest free-range buffalo herd is celebrated while paying homage to the U.S. Calvary that restored order in the park after rampant poaching and vandalism."--Jacket.
Exploring the Grand Canyon's transformation into a cherished American landmark, this book delves into its tourism history through vintage postcards and contemporary photographs. It highlights the contributions of early promoters, particularly the Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroads, and showcases iconic sites like the El Tovar Hotel and Mary Colter's architectural designs. With a focus on its breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage, the narrative serves as both an informative account and a beautiful keepsake for national park enthusiasts.
Vivid imagery captures the breathtaking landscapes of Glacier National Park, showcasing its stunning lakes, diverse wildlife, and majestic mountains. The book combines vintage postcards with modern photographs to narrate the park's rich history and significance as a "crown jewel" of the National Park system. Readers can explore iconic sites like Going-to-the-Sun Road and Many Glacier Hotel, while learning about the evolution of transportation and the enduring charm of rustic lodges, making it an invaluable resource for park enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
Following the establishment of Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915, promotional campaigns generated by the railroads lured wealthy travelers to the park with images of the great outdoors and the many luxuries offered by the finest hotels. Postcards were circulated proclaiming the park as the "Playground of the World." The gateway communities of Estes Park and Grand Lake became vibrant hospitality centers, and in 1920, when the two towns were connected with the opening of Fall River Road, a new era of tourism was introduced that continues today. More than 200 postcards are used in this book to provide a chronology of the early hotels, ranches, and other settings that have shaped the park's history for more than a century.