Join Free

1940s Maps of Essex County, New Jersey

Explore 13 historic maps of Essex County from the 1940s. These maps offer a rare glimpse into what life looked like during the 1940s — showing old roads, neighborhoods, homes, and landmarks that have changed or disappeared over time.

Whether you're researching your family's past, planning a metal detecting trip, or studying how Essex County's landscape evolved across the 1940s, these high-resolution maps are a powerful tool for exploring the history of this region.

  • Focus on a specific era: All maps on this page are from the 1940s, giving you a focused view of this time period.
  • See what’s changed: Compare century-old streets, trails, and buildings to today's modern landscape using overlays and satellite layers.
  • Research with precision: Use these maps for genealogy, historical research, land use analysis, or educational projects.
  • View, download, or print: Maps are fully viewable online in high resolution, and can be downloaded or printed for your own records.

Start exploring Essex County's history through authentic maps from the 1940s. This is your window into the past.

Essex County, NJ maps

(13)
  1. 1942 Map of Passaic
    1942 Map of Passaic
    1942 Passaic
    1942 Print · USGS
    Northern New Jersey and New York harbor appear in detail at the start of the war, showing a landscape of burgeoning suburbs and vital industry. Trace family roots and local history across the Passaic River valley, from Paterson to the Watchung Mountains.
  4. 1943 Map of Pompton Plains, 1947 Print
    1943 Map of Pompton Plains, 1947 Print
    1943 Pompton Plains
    1947 Print · USGS
    In the New Jersey valley of the Passaic, these mid-century Morris County communities are shown just before postwar suburbanization. Researchers can trace the junction of the Erie RR and Lackawanna RR or locate early airfields like North Jersey Airport and Murchia Airport.
  7. 1943 Map of Roselle, 1947 Print
    1943 Map of Roselle, 1947 Print
    1943 Roselle
    1947 Print · USGS
    Union County's industrial and commuter corridors are shown here at the height of the war years. Genealogists and rail historians can trace the complex junctions at Cranford Junction and locate family plots in Hazelwood Cem or Graceland Mem Park Cem.
  10. 1944 Map of Paterson
    1944 Map of Paterson
    1944 Paterson
    1944 Print · USGS
    In the mid-1940s, the industrial corridor of northern New Jersey centered on Paterson was a complex network of rail lines and early airports. Researchers can trace historic property boundaries and community institutions like St Michaels Orphanage, Murchio Airport, and the Laurel Grove Cem.
    2 unique versions available
  13. 1944 Map of Newark, 1971 Print
    1944 Map of Newark, 1971 Print
    1944 Newark
    1971 Print · USGS
    The industrial corridor from Philadelphia to New York was in a period of massive transition during the mid-forties. Genealogists and researchers can trace the rail lines of the Lehigh Valley RR, locate military installations like Picatinny Arsenal, and explore the early sprawl near Levittown.
    5 unique versions available
  16. 1947 Map of Jersey City
    1947 Map of Jersey City
    1947 Jersey City
    1947 Print · USGS
    The harbor was a hive of industrial and maritime activity just after the war, featuring the intricate rail networks of the Lackawanna and Pennsylvania lines. Trace the early footprints of the Holland Vehicular Tunnels and landmarks like the Statue of Liberty.
  19. 1947 Map of Elizabeth
    1947 Map of Elizabeth
    1947 Elizabeth
    1947 Print · USGS
    In the late 1940s, the industrial corridor between Newark and Staten Island reached its peak of rail and maritime activity. Researchers can trace the development of Newark Airport, identify local parish sites like St James, and locate vanished rail stops such as Bay Way Sta.
    2 unique versions available
  22. 1947 Map of Orange
    1947 Map of Orange
    1947 Orange
    1947 Print · USGS
    Essex County in the late 1940s reveals a bustling landscape of industrial rail lines and developing suburban neighborhoods. Trace family roots and local landmarks from Overbrook Hospital to the fairways of Montclair Golf Course and Nutley.
  25. 1947 Map of Caldwell
    1947 Map of Caldwell
    1947 Caldwell
    1947 Print · USGS
    Essex and Morris Counties are shown just after the war, when a network of small airports and golf courses integrated with established boroughs. Researchers can trace the legacy of Hatfield Swamp or locate family sites near Restland Cemetery and Morehousetown.
  28. 1947 Map of Morristown
    1947 Map of Morristown
    1947 Morristown
    1947 Print · USGS
    Morris County was undergoing rapid post-war growth when this survey recorded its transitioning rail-and-river landscape. Genealogists and local historians can trace the foundations of Morristown, Madison, and Whippany, alongside major landmarks like Greystone Park State Hospital and Washingtons Hdqtrs.
  31. 1947 Map of Roselle
    1947 Map of Roselle
    1947 Roselle
    1947 Print · USGS
    The northern Union County suburbs were rapidly expanding in the late 1940s as rail networks and park systems matured. Genealogists and local historians can trace the development of Summit, Kenilworth, and Linden alongside landmarks like Cranford Junction and Fairview Cem.
    2 unique versions available
  34. 1947 Map of Pompton Plains
    1947 Map of Pompton Plains
    1947 Pompton Plains
    1947 Print · USGS
    North Jersey was a hub of early aviation and rail travel in the late 1940s, where small airfields and major rail lines intersected. You can trace historic routes through Pompton Plains, locate North Jersey Airport, and follow the Erie RR through the valley.
    2 unique versions available
  37. 1949 Map of Newark
    1949 Map of Newark
    1949 Newark
    1949 Print · USGS
    The industrial corridor between Philadelphia and New York comes alive in this post-war survey. Genealogists and historians can trace the massive rail networks of the Reading Railroad and locate major installations like Fort Dix or Picatinny Arsenal.
    2 unique versions available
End of results
Showing maps 1-13 of 13

Top cities of Essex County

See more

Frequently asked questions

  • What are the different types of historical maps available for Essex County?
  • What is the oldest map of Essex County?
  • Where can I purchase historical maps of Essex County for my home or office?
  • Where can I download high-res historical maps of Essex County?
  • Are there historical topographic maps available for Essex County?
  • Is there historical aerial imagery available for Essex County?
  • Where are historical maps of Essex County sourced from?