RECREATION 



IX 



More than Twice as Big 



.1901 — 3,800 miles. 

 1902 — 8,000 miles. 



From a local line, 3,800 miles long, whose 

 interests were almost entirely confined to Illinois, 

 Iowa and Missouri, the Rock Island System has 

 branched out until its rails now fairly gridiron 

 the Central West — from Minnesota to Texas and 

 from the Great Lakes to the foot-hills of the 

 Rockies — a territory a thousand miles long, a 

 thousand miles wide, supporting a population of 

 more than 21,000,000 people, and capable of sup- 

 porting four times that many. 



John Sebastian, Passenger Traffic Manager, 

 Rock Island System, Chicago. 



This is one of a series of announcements which are intended to bring home to the 

 traveling and shipping public the facts that the Rock Island is one of the world's 

 great railroads ; that it is in perfect physical condition; that the territory tributary to 

 its lines is as rich as any on the globe ; that the Rock Island enjoys the distinction of 

 being the only Western railroad which has north and south, as well as east and west 

 lines — an advantage which, in time, will make it the strongest, most 

 ^ independent and most self-sufficient railroad system in the United 

 States. 



Travelers should use the Rock Island. Business men should locate 

 in the towns along its lines. Farmers and stock raisers should buy 

 land in the territory it traverses. Reasons why will be furnished on 

 request. 



System 



