1947 Map of Chatham

About this map

The Great Swamp dominates the northern reaches of this landscape, a significant natural basin drained by Black Brook and Great Brook before they meet the winding Passaic River. In the post-war years, the surrounding highlands show a distinct pattern of suburban development and institutional expansion, particularly along the ridges of Watchung Mountain. Major facilities such as the U S Veterans Hospital and the Bonnie Burn Sanatorium occupy prominent positions, while the Lackawanna railroad line serves established communities like Madison, Chatham, and New Providence. Further south, the map details the dense residential grids of Plainfield and Fanwood, providing a clear look at the infrastructure of the Scotch Plains area. The transition from the undeveloped wetlands of Harding to the burgeoning industrial and commuter hubs of Summit illustrates the era’s suburban shift.