Black Valley Rail Road
- Title:
- Black Valley Rail Road
- Alternate Title:
- Black Valley Rail Road
- Collection:
- Persuasive Maps: PJ Mode Collection
- Creator:
- Hanks, Stedman Wright
Rudd, Nathaniel
- Other Creators:
- Massachusetts Temperance Alliance
- Date:
- 1863
- Posted Date:
- 2015-08-25
- ID Number:
- 1066.01
- Collection Number:
- 8548
- File Name:
- PJM_1066_01.jpg
- Style/Period:
- 1800 - 1869
- Subject:
- Alcohol
Allegorical
Railroads - Measurement:
- 20 x 25 (centimeters, height x width)
- Notes:
- The temperance movement enthusiastically circulated versions of this allegorical map based on the notion of alcohol as a train ride to destruction, the "Black Valley Rail Road." Destinations are detailed on the verso, 1066.02. Passengers embark in the sunny "region of fountains, churches and ministering angels" at the upper left. They proceed through a few stops suggesting moderation (Medicineville, Tippleton) to Drunkards Curve, "the last stopping place," illustrated. From there, the route includes Beggarstown, Gamblersville, Robbers Den, Prisonton, Demonland, Maniacville and finally, Destruction. "Accidents by collisions entirely avoided, as no up trains are run over the road." (Jordan 2007, 81-84). In 1879, the father of the Black Valley Rail Road wrote that "more than three millions . . . have been called for, not including the altered forms of it surreptitiously published by the N. Y. Vinegar Bitters Co." (Hanks 1879, 5).
For further information on the Collector’s Notes and a Feedback/Contact Link, see https://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/content/about-collection-personal-statement and https://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/content/feedback-and-contact - Cite As:
- P.J. Mode collection of persuasive cartography, #8548. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.
- Repository:
- Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library
- Archival Collection:
- P.J. Mode collection of persuasive cartography
- Format:
- Image
- Rights:
- For important information about copyright and use, see http://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/copyright.