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The Pursuit of History

America’s Auto Trails and Historic Highway Pole Markers — 11" x 14" Poster

Regular price $ 14.95
Regular price Sale price $ 14.95
Sale Sold out

America's historic highway pole markers and signs, from a book of auto trails published in 1921. 

→ All proceeds go to the non-profit organization, The Pursuit of History.  More on that below.

Before the interstate highway system, there were "auto trails," often marked by painting colored stripes on the telephone or electrical poles along the road. As regions realized the economic benefit of auto travelers, they added catchy names and promoted these routes to travelers. Our friends at the American Business History Center, who provided this image, have an excellent article on the history of auto trails.

This is the first time we have offered this, and it's available exclusively from The Pursuit of History.  See below for more information on this non-profit organization, which will receive all proceeds from the sale of this print.

Size: 11" x 14"

Paper weight: Printed on 10pt. gloss cardstock, which is a nice weight and helps make this very affordable.

Available unframed only. Fits standard frames available through local stores and online. 

This poster is a part of our "History Lover" Small poster and print collection  with 8 bestselling prints and posters and where you can save as much as $20.

Visit 12 historic sites on America's Summer Roadtrip

On August 1, 2020 we did live broadcasts from 12 historic sites across the country, and we recorded all the tours. Read more and view the videos at AmericasSummerRoadtrip.org.

All proceeds go to The Pursuit of History, a non-profit organization

The Pursuit of History is the non-profit organization that engages adults in conversation about history and connects them with historic sites in their communities and across the country through unique annual events, including History Camp, and through video and other online content.

The History List is a sponsor of The Pursuit of History, and all proceeds from the sale of this tee will go to The Pursuit of History to support their in-person and online events.

 


 Our thanks to Gary Hoover, Founder and Executive Director of the American Business History Center for making this image available. 

Shipping

For shipments to addresses within the U.S. (scroll down for International shipping) 

Flat-rate shipping: Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, and button packs is $5.95.

For hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets, the shipping cost is $8.95. 

Our flat rate shipping means you can add two or more t-shirts, sweatshirts, or caps for no additional shipping charge.

Note that some large or heavy items, including larger framed prints, may have a different shipping charge or a shipping surcharge. When they do, it will be noted on the product page.

 

Timing

We try to ship orders within three business days of receiving them. This applies to in-stock items. Framed items or items requiring personalization may take up to two weeks longer. If there is an extended delay, it will be noted on the product page.

We close for a week over Independence Day and Christmas. A notice will appear at the top of every page of the site in advance of this closure.

We ship most orders via USPS, so if the post office is closed, we won't be shipping orders that day.

If you need to receive your order by a certain date, such as to give as a gift or have for a trip, we recommend ordering at least two weeks in advance, especially if you are using USPS shipping. 

If you're looking for reliable, on-time deliveries, we strongly suggest upgrading to "UPS 3 Business Day Select Shipping."

Additional notes:

  • When fulfillment takes longer, such as around the Christmas holidays, we'll put up an announcement in the site and will list recommended shipping deadlines below.
  • If an item is out of stock, we will contact you.
  • If one of your items is an advance order, that will be noted on the product page along with an estimate of when it will ship. If that estimated date changes, the product page will be updated.

    Charges for shipping to destinations in the United States and to APO, DPO, and FPO addresses

    • Free shipping
      • On stickers, magnets, decals, patches, static clings, and individual button pins.

    • US Postal Service shipping - The least expensive, though also less reliable than UPS. (See more on UPS in the next section.) 

      • $5.95 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.

        Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price is still fixed at $5.95. Our flat rate shipping means you can add another t-shirt, cap, or book for no additional shipping charge.

      • $8.95 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.

    We strongly recommend using UPS, especially in November and December.

      UPS 3 Business Day Select 

      Note: UPS 3 Business Day select is not available for addresses in Hawaii and Alaska. If UPS is selected for Hawaii or Alaska, the order will be shipped UPS Ground.

      Cut off time: Orders received by 3 pm Eastern will ship the same business day.  Applies to in-stock items that do not require personalization or signing.
        UPS's normal (non-holiday) delivery guarantee is by the end of the third business day, and this includes delivery on Saturday.  This applies to the 48 contiguous states. 
          • $14.95 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.

          • $18.95 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.

          • If the actual shipping cost is significantly higher than what we’re charging, we will contact you to discuss alternatives.

        • UPS Overnight (Next Business Day Delivery)
        Before placing your order, call 469-233-7712.

        For shipments to addresses outside the United States

        Destinations

        We only ship to locations that are served by US Postal Service International Service.

        Charges

        • Canada and Mexico

          • $18.00 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.
          • $24.00 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.

        • Rest of the World

          • Rates starts at $65.00.

        Additional charges for all destinations

        Some large, heavy items may have an additional shipping charge.  If that's the case, it will be noted on the product page.

        If the actual shipping cost is significantly higher than what we’re charging, we will contact you to discuss alternatives.

          All original designs are copyrighted by The History List

          All designs are copyrighted by The History List and the History Nerd text and design on t-shirts is a registered trademark. If you see a knock off, please let me know.

          Mission

          Your purchases support our mission to engage people with local history and to support historic sites and history organizations across the country.

            ["Made in the USA","pole marker poster","Poster","roadtrip2020","The Pursuit of History","TPOH","USA made"]
          

          Customer Reviews

          Based on 3 reviews
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          J
          Joseph N.
          Terrific art piece

          As a history, road, and general infrastructure geek, this print was right up my alley. Actually, I'm considering getting prints for fellow road geeks as well.

          A
          Andrew G.
          Awesome Item

          I purchased a poster on Auto Trails and am quite impressed with the quality of poster, in addition to the historical context used in its creation. Great stuff.

          J
          Jeanette S.
          Awesome

          Really neat artwork. It looks great on the wall.