1894 Map of Durham

About this map

Catskill Creek carves a central path through this late nineteenth-century landscape, anchoring a network of small agricultural and early industrial hamlets in Greene and Albany Counties. The survey by J.H. Jennings and G.L. Johnson illustrates a region defined by high peaks and narrow valleys, where human activity is concentrated at river crossings and crossroads. Significant nineteenth-century hubs like Preston Hollow, Cooksburg, and Potter Hollow appear alongside smaller settlements such as Union Society. To the south, the dramatic elevation of the Blackhead Mountains rises sharply, featuring summits like Windham High Pk and Black Dome. This terrain necessitated a scattered settlement pattern, with family-named corners such as Lambs Corner and Smith Corner serving as vital local landmarks. The presence of Cairo Forge points to the early industrial roots of the valley, while Cairo Roundtop provides a distinct navigational marker for the southern townships.