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1956 Map of Harrisburg

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Harrisburg
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1962
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1962

About this map

The Susquehanna River dominates this mid-century landscape, carving through a series of dramatic ridges including Peters Mountain, Third Mountain, and Blue Mountain. The state capital at Harrisburg is shown in significant detail, highlighting the State Capitol complex, the State Farm Show Building, and the dense rail infrastructure of the Pennsylvania Railroad and Reading Railroad. These rail lines follow the riverbanks, supporting industrial hubs like Enola with its extensive yard system and the riverside community of Marysville.

Away from the urban core, the map reveals the transition to rural township life. One can trace the Appalachian Trail as it traverses the high ridges or locate smaller communities such as Halifax and Linglestown. Significant local landmarks are preserved here, from the Ft Hunter Museum at the river's edge to numerous rural schoolhouses like Dunkel Sch and Fetterhoff Sch, many of which represent the educational fabric of Dauphin County before the era of major school consolidation.