1957 Map of Harrisburg

About this map

The Susquehanna River and its major tributaries, the Juniata River and the West Branch Susquehanna River, carve through the distinctive Ridge-and-Valley province of central Pennsylvania in this regional survey. The map centers on the state's seat of government at the State Capitol in Harrisburg, a major transportation hub where the Pennsylvania Turnpike meets rail corridors like the Penn Central and Reading lines. This era shows a landscape defined by significant institutional and military footprints, including Pennsylvania State University at State College and the sprawling Indiantown Gap Military Reservation. Massive forested blocks like Bald Eagle State Forest and Rothrock State Forest crown the long, parallel ridges of Blue Mountain and Tussey Mountain, illustrating the sharp contrast between the industrial river valleys and the preserved highland wilderness.