Clear The Tracks - Buy Coal Now

Issued during World War II, this striking American poster urges citizens to “Clear the tracks for war shipments — Buy Coal Now!” It shows a dramatic image of heavily loaded railcars carrying military vehicles, emphasizing the vital role of the railroad network in supplying the war effort. The bold typography in red and black reinforces the urgency of the message, while the angled text “BUY COAL NOW!” gives a sense of immediacy and command.Coal was the backbone of American industry and transportation during the war. Railroads, which moved soldiers, weapons, and essential supplies, ran almost entirely on coal. Posters such as this reminded civilians and industries to purchase and stock coal early, ensuring that fuel shortages would not hinder military logistics. This campaign was sponsored by the U.S. Bituminous Coal Consumers’ Counsel in Washington, D.C., highlighting the connection between domestic coal usage and national defense.While the designer of this poster is uncredited, the use of photographic montage combined with bold propaganda text was typical of American wartime poster design. The straightforward message and documentary-style image reflect the government’s pragmatic visual strategy: practical, patriotic, and persuasive.This poster exemplifies the vital home front campaigns of WWII, linking everyday fuel consumption directly to victory abroad. It represents the intersection of industry, logistics, and propaganda in one powerful image.This is an Original Vintage Poster, it is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all our posters.