1948 Map of Hancock

About this map

The Taconic Mountains and steep valleys of the New York-Massachusetts border define the landscape in this mid-century survey. Steep ridgelines like Brodie Mountain and Rounds Mountain separate the drainages of Kinderhook Creek and the West Branch Green River. Local life centers on the cross-border settlements of Hancock and Stephentown, where the valley floors provided the only level ground for agriculture and transit along the Main Road. Rural education and community landmarks are prominent, including the Gorton Sch near North Hancock and the Balance Rock Sch in the southeast. Cultural features such as the Fire Tower on the heights of Brodie Mountain and the high-elevation waters of Berry Pond suggest a landscape used for both utility and early recreation. The map also traces the winding courses of numerous mountain brooks, including Whitman Brook and Sachem Brook, which historically powered the small-scale mills of the Berkshires.