Railroad Legacy Wall Map of the United States by National Geographic

Railroad Legacy — National Geographic Wall Map (2013)

Rails that stitched a nation together. Published in 2013, this richly annotated Railroad Legacy wall map traces how railroads shaped time, industry, and everyday life—from the creation of time zones to the rise (and reconfiguration) of a continental network. It portrays the routes of today’s seven Class I railroads and Amtrak alongside the sprawling lattice of 100+ Class I lines in 1920, when 5% of the U.S. workforce—over two million people—worked on the rails. A map that commands a wall and rewards close study.

More Than a Map – A Testament to Movement

This isn’t just wall art—it’s a frame for understanding the growth of American commerce and communities along iron corridors. Clear symbology highlights present-day and 1920 rail hubs, while text panels and illustrations mark milestones from Grand Central Terminal’s 1913 opening to the last Class I steam holdout in 1960. Notable tunnels, train-spotting locations, and railroad museums round out a display built for railfans, educators, historians, designers, and collectors.

Hang it in studios, libraries, classrooms, museums, offices, or at home to invite reflection, study, and conversation.

Premium Materials & Finishes

We treat cartography with the respect it deserves. That’s why we offer multiple formats, each produced using high-quality materials and modern archival printing.

🌟 Archival Paper Print
Printed on heavyweight 160gsm archival-grade paper.
Smooth matte finish reduces glare and preserves fine linework and small labels.
Perfect for framing under glass—clean, timeless, and built to last.

💎 Laminated Edition
Encapsulated in two sheets of 80-micron gloss laminate using true thermal bonding—not just surface lamination.
Moisture-resistant, wipe-clean surface—ideal for classrooms and high-traffic reference spaces.

Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered rails with a fitted hanging cord for a polished, ready-to-hang presentation. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)

🏆 Museum-Quality Canvas
Printed on heavyweight 395gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas for rich texture and exceptional strength.
Pigment-based, fade-resistant inks deliver deep tone and crisp typography that endure for generations.

Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered to enhance the wood grain; top cord for effortless hanging—elegant in any setting. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)

Specifications

Why Choose This Map

✔ Story of a Nation: See how rail built timekeeping, logistics, and growth across America.
✔ Then & Now: 1920 vs. present networks and hubs in one coherent view.
✔ Rich Context: Milestones, museums, tunnels, and train-spotting sites for deeper exploration.
✔ Decorative & Scholarly: Strong wall presence with legible fine detail.
✔ Archival Craft: Premium substrates and inks preserve contrast, labels, and linework for decades.

Our Commitment

We believe that preserving history is as important as telling it. Every map is printed locally in Australia using state-of-the-art technology, carefully checked by hand, and packed with care. From the moment it leaves our workshop to the day it hangs on your wall, we ensure quality you can trust and a legacy you’ll be proud to share.

Follow the lines that moved a continent—order the Railroad Legacy Wall Map (2013) and turn your space into a conversation.