Sanborn Souvenir Co., Linen Postcard, Shell Cañon, Wyoming, 1930s

This linen postcard, published by Sanborn Souvenir Co. of Denver, Colorado, captures the dramatic switchbacks of Shell Cañon along Highway U.S. 14 in the Big Horn Mountains, Wyoming. The vibrant colors and textured finish typical of linen postcards from the 1930s to 1945 highlight the rugged terrain and winding road, offering a glimpse into the challenging yet picturesque travel routes of the era.

The back of the postcard provides a descriptive text: "Shell Cañon is the rugged and picturesque avenue for Highway #14 as it climbs the Bighorn Mountains from the west. Its towering cliffs and rugged scenery well reward the traveler on this, one of the main routes across the picturesque scenery of northern Wyoming." The card is unused, with no postmark or stamp, and is in excellent condition with minimal wear.

This postcard documents the early 20th-century American fascination with road travel and the development of scenic highways. The depiction of Shell Cañon highlights the engineering feats required to traverse the American West's challenging landscapes. Surviving examples like this provide valuable insights into regional history and the evolution of travel infrastructure.