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1948 Map of Hancock

Name: 1948 Topographic Map of Hancock
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1948
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1948

About this map

Taconic Mountain and Brodie Mountain dominate this mid-century survey of the borderlands between New York and Massachusetts. The landscape is defined by steep ridges and narrow hollows, such as Gardner Hollow and Doty Hollow, which dictate the placement of early settlements and roads. The primary corridor through the valley follows Kinderhook Creek, connecting the small communities of Hancock and Stephentown.

Evidence of the 1940s rural infrastructure is visible in the placement of the Gorton Sch and Balance Rock Sch, as well as the Fire Tower atop the northern heights. Family-named landmarks like Widow Whites Peak and Potter Mtn suggest a long history of local land ownership and geographic naming traditions. Numerous streams, including West Branch Green River and Wyomanock Creek, drain the high ground, illustrating the complex hydrology of the Berkshire and Rensselaer county line.