1900 Map of Harlem

About this map

The Hudson River divides a rapidly urbanizing landscape at the turn of the century, where the dense street grids of Manhattan Borough and the Bronx Borough give way to the wooded heights of the Palisades. This survey captures the transition from Manhattan’s established landmarks like Grant's Tomb to the emerging northern suburbs. To the east, the complex coastline of Long Island Sound is defined by numerous islands such as City Island and Hart Island, alongside significant defensive installations like Fort Schuyler. The map records a critical era of civil engineering, showcasing the Jerome Park Reservoir and the labyrinthine waterways of Spuyten Duyvil Creek and Hell Gate. A dense network of rail lines, including the Long Island Railroad and New York and Harlem Railroad, underscores the region's total reliance on these arteries for the growth of towns like Yonkers and Mount Vernon.