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1960 Map of Hancock

Name: 1960 Topographic Map of Hancock
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1966
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

Hancock and Stephentown straddle the state line where the Taconic Mountains dominate the border between New York and Massachusetts. This mid-century landscape is defined by its deep hollows and high ridges, including Berlin Mountain and Brodie Mountain. The valley of Kinderhook Creek serves as a primary corridor for settlement, linking the town centers with smaller outlying areas like North Hancock.

Local genealogy and history are well-preserved through numerous family and community burial sites such as the Denison Cem, Arnold Cem, and the notable Whitman Burial Vault. Higher elevations are preserved within the Pittsfield State Forest and Forbush Wildlife Sanctuary, while a Lookout Tower on Brodie Mountain marks a point of observation over the mountain range. This era shows the rural character of the region before significant modern development, with landmarks like the Hancock Central Sch and Balance Rock State Park grounding the community structure.