Railways

Contained within the 4th Edition (1974) of the Atlas of Canada is a set of two maps accompanied by graphics. The first map shows the extension of the railway network. Gradual extensions are denoted for the following periods: 1836 to 1852, 1853 to 1880, 1881 to 1905, 1906 to 1918, 1919 to 1935, 1936 to 1952 and 1953 to 1971. The second map shows transcontinental railway passenger routes (Canadian National Railways and CP Rail) as of 1972. These maps are accompanied by several graphics: (1) The reduction of travel time from Montreal to Vancouver from 1893 (wood and coal fired steam-engines) up to 1971 (jet travel); (2) The length of mainline track 1836 to 1970; (3) Passenger freight trends 1921 to 1970; (4) Principal commodities moved by rail 1921 to 1969; and (5) First main track mileage 1895 to 1970.