Loading map...

1956 Map of Hamburg

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Hamburg
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

Blue Mountain dominates the northern reaches of this Berks County landscape, where the Appalachian Trail follows the ridgeline past distinctive geological features like Pulpit Rock and The Pinnacle. In the valley below, the Schuylkill River and the Conrail line define the industrial and transit corridor through Hamburg and West Hamburg. The presence of the Hamburg Tuberculosis Sanatorium and the Berne Speedway illustrates the varied social and recreational infrastructure of the mid-20th century.

Rural life is anchored by small crossroads like Windsor Castle and Virginville, where local education and faith were centered at sites such as Hepner Sch and Union Ch. Traces of older transport methods remain visible through the Old Railroad Grade and the Five Locks on the river. The southern portion of the map transitions into agricultural terrain punctuated by Maiden Creek and the notable Onyx Cave.