1895 Map of Elmira

About this map

The Elmira city center serves as a dense rail hub at the turn of the century, where the industrial grid sits nestled in the curve of the Chemung River. This 1895 survey reveals a landscape defined by its transit corridors, including the Northern Central Electric R. R. and the Delaware Lackawanna and Western lines that converge near Horseheads. Outside the urban core, the map detail captures the rural character of Chemung County through smaller settlements like Sullivanville and Pine City, and named landmarks such as Mount Zoar and Big Island. To the south, the New York Pennsylvania Boundary Line marks the edge of the survey near Webb Mills. Geographers Henry Gannett and H.M. Wilson directed this work, documenting the complex network of creeks like Newtown Creek and Seely Creek that carved the surrounding hills during this period of significant regional growth.