During the period between the Great Depression and World War II, a specific genre of printed material emerged, depicting scenes from protected natural areas across the United States. These illustrated cards, often produced under the auspices of a federal program aimed at providing employment and stimulating the economy, showcased the beauty and appeal of these destinations to encourage tourism and appreciation of the nation’s scenic resources.
The production and dissemination of these cards served multiple purposes. They provided work for artists, writers, and printers during a time of widespread economic hardship. They also promoted national parks as affordable vacation destinations, fostering a sense of national pride and connection to the land. Moreover, they offered a visual record of the parks’ development and infrastructure during this formative era, documenting trails, lodges, and other visitor amenities.
