Loading map...

1906 Map of Coatesville

Name: 1906 Topographic Map of Coatesville
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1944
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1944

About this map

Industrial and agrarian life in western Chester County at the turn of the century centers on the growing hub of Coatesville, where the Pennsylvania RR and the Reading RR intersect. This early survey highlights the intricate rail-and-road network that sustained the region's iron and manufacturing industries, with many small mill towns like Modena and Mortonville established along the serpentine path of Valley Creek. In the southern portion of the quadrangle, the educational landmark of Lincoln University stands as a prominent feature near the Baltimore and Philadelphia Road.

The landscape is deeply etched by historic transit corridors, most notably the Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike and the Strasburg Road, which navigate the northern hills of Mine Ridge. Local genealogists can trace the layout of numerous small settlements and post offices, from Sadsburyville to Cochranville, before the modern expansion of the Philadelphia suburbs began to alter the rural character of these townships.