Promoting The Parks: Images, Brochures And Postcards Of Estes Park And Rocky Mountain National Park

Mountain and Meadow: Historical Art and Photography in the Estes Park Area :

Soon after its documented 1859 discovery and settlement by pioneer Joel Estes, Estes Park was visited by both tourists and adventurers. Those with an eye to reproducing its unique natural beauty and attractions put hand and camera, pen and paintbrush to the task. Artists and photographers came to live and visit, as well as to record and interpret the park's wonders. Railroads and regional communities advertised their proximity to it, and began promoting Estes as a destination. This trend continued with the expansion of wagon and auto roads west over the Continental Divide to other resort communities. This exhibit will provide examples of the history of photography and art in the Estes Park area, from the 1870s to the contemporary period.  Paintings, photographs, postcards, and brochures are drawn from the collection of William Scott.

Promoting the Park: Historic Brochures and Postcards :

After several years of intense lobbying by Enos Mills and his friends, the U.S. Congress declared the area north and west of Estes Park as the tenth national park, Rocky Mountain National Park, in September of 1915. Railroads and chambers of commerce had long promoted the Estes Park area to tourists. After gaining National Park status, the Department of the Interior also began promoting Rocky Mountain National Park to the new visitors who came via the railroads and automobile. This exhibit, drawn from the collection of Bobbie Heisterkamp, features brochures and ephemera from the early 1900s, as well as postcards published to promote Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Many of the images are of buildings and natural features that no longer exist. Travel back to the 1920s, and view the promotional materials that lured tourists to the park for the first time.

Location :
Byers-Evans House Gallery.

Cost :
Admission is free.