1903 Map of Berne

About this map

The steep escapement of the Helderberg Plateau dominates this turn-of-the-century landscape, where the Delaware and Hudson RR. winds through the northern valleys past Altamont and Delanson. This 1899-1900 survey captures a region of dispersed upland farming hamlets and early recreational sites, including the prominent John Boyd Thacher Park near the Indian Ladder. The map details a network of rural crossroads such as Van Leuvans Corners, West Berne, and Gallupville, situated along drainages like Fox Creek and the Switz Kill. To the south, Rensselaerville and Westerlo anchor a rugged terrain marked by glacial lakes, including Thompsons Lake and Warner Lake. The intricate contouring illustrates the difficult topography that dictated the placement of early roads and rail lines, separating the Schoharie and Hudson River watersheds through the towns of Berne and Knox.