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1903 Map of Cortland

Name: 1903 Topographic Map of Cortland
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1908
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1908

About this map

Cortland serves as the industrial and transportation hub of this Central New York region at the turn of the century. The city sits at the confluence of the West Branch Tioughnioga River and its East Branch, where a complex network of iron rails converge. Three major railroads, including the Delaware Lackawanna and Western R. R. and the Erie and Central New York R. R., weave through the valley, connecting outlying settlements like Homer and McGraw.

The surrounding townships of Scott, Preble, and Truxton are defined by high ridges and narrow glacial valleys. In these upland areas, smaller hamlets such as Crains Mills and Freetown Corners anchor the rural landscape. Notable landmarks like Toppin Mt. and Tuller Hill tower over the river valleys, while local commerce is highlighted by the presence of sites like Blodgett Mills along the southern rail line.