1949 Santa Fe Railway Grand Canyon Poster – Oscar M. Bryn – Original Vintage Lithograph

Step into the golden era of American travel with this striking original 1949 Santa Fe Railway travel poster promoting exclusive rail access to the majestic Grand Canyon. Designed by acclaimed illustrator Oscar M. Bryn, this piece captures the awe-inspiring scale of the canyon through rich layers of terracotta and ochre cliffs beneath a crisp, blue sky.

In the foreground, a couple gazes in wonder at the vast expanse — a perfect symbol of postwar optimism and the romance of rail travel. The Santa Fe Southern Railway logo is prominently featured in the lower right corner, reinforcing the message: “Santa Fe is the Only Railroad Entering this National Park.”

This authentic poster is not a reproduction and was issued in limited numbers in 1949 to promote rail travel to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim — at that time, exclusively accessible by Santa Fe’s rail line.

Details:
Title: Grand Canyon – Santa Fe Railway

Artist: Oscar M. Bryn

Date: 1949

Railway: Santa Fe Southern Railway

Destination: Grand Canyon National Park

Medium: Original vintage lithograph poster

Condition: Very good vintage condition with strong colors; light edge wear and small pinholes in corners typical of original display use; unframed

Features: Santa Fe Railway cross-and-circle logo at bottom right

Print Type: Screen-printed lithograph on heavyweight stock (not linen-backed)

Historical Significance:
At the time of its release, Santa Fe Railway held exclusive rail access to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, a fact proudly advertised on this poster. This privilege made the railroad the top choice for travelers seeking a direct route to one of America’s most iconic natural wonders. Oscar M. Bryn’s dramatic composition evokes not only the visual grandeur of the canyon, but also the spirit of mid-century adventure and discovery.

Posters like this were printed in limited quantities and displayed in travel bureaus and railway offices. Survivors in strong condition are highly collectible and increasingly scarce.