T206 Distribution- Dumb Rookie Question

[Bobbycee]

Originally Posted by tulsaboy

OK, So I'm acknowledging this is a dumb rookie question, and it may have been answered in detail elsewhere. If so, simply point me in a direction and I will go read. But here is my question:
How truly "national" was T206 distribution? Was it solely an east coast thing? Just east and west coasts? Could you get it them in cigarette packs in Chicago, for example? Cleveland? Cincinnati? St. Louis? I'm in Tulsa, and we only got statehood in 1907, and the "big" cities of Oklahoma City and Tulsa were pretty tiny when T206s were distributed. So I'm not betting that they showed up here. But what about other mid-sized cities that were not coastal? And what about the west coast? Were these appearing in Los Angeles, San Francisco, etc.?
Thanks!
kevin

It's actually a very good question Kevin. I hope you're collecting T206 & have fun putting the set together. This is a great forum to be part of with many knowledgeable people to answer any of your questions. Welcome aboard!

[oldeboo]

If trade was occurring where people smoked cigarettes, T206 cards were probably found. Around 1910 the use of trains would have still been the primary means of delivery. Much like people, goods would have been concentrated around railroad lines. With a quick search there are mentions of Sweet Caporal cigarettes in Oklahoma City in 1909. Many other examples can probably be found. Below is a 1910 advertisement from El Paso, which is the furthest west you can go in Texas. Also below, is a neat image related to trains and the trading of goods from an Oklahoma newspaper in 1909.