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1954 Map of Franklin

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Franklin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1974
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1974

About this map

Sterling Hill and the industrial activity around Franklin define the western edge of this Sussex County landscape, where the Wallkill River flows through a valley shaped by mining and rail transport. The Lehigh And Hudson River and Susquehanna And Western railroads connect these industrial hubs to the more rural highlands of Hardyston and Sparta. In the mid-20th century, this area transitioned into a popular recreational retreat, evidenced by the numerous summer camps and lake communities such as Slovak Sokol Camp, Camp Mogiska, and Blue Heron Camp.

Elevated terrain like the Pimple Hills and Bowling Green Mountain surround a complex network of reservoirs and natural bodies of water, including Lake Gerard and Tamarack Lake. Local history is anchored by essential community landmarks such as the Immaculate Conception church, Franklin High Sch, and the Holland Cem. The map illustrates a distinctive blend of heavy industry at Edison and South Ogdensburg alongside the burgeoning leisure culture of Lake Saginaw and Sparta Lake.