1961 Map of Harrisburg

About this map

The Susquehanna River carves a dramatic path through the ridge-and-valley province, serving as the primary corridor for central Pennsylvania's development. This mid-century view highlights the concentration of political and industrial power at the State Capitol in Harrisburg, where the Pennsylvania RR and Reading RR converge. To the south, the agricultural wealth of Lancaster and Lebanon is evident, while the northern reaches of the map show the transition into the Anthracite Coal Fields near Shamokin and Mount Carmel. Significant military and educational footprints appear at Carlisle Barracks, Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, and Pennsylvania State University. The transport network shows a maturing post-war infrastructure, featuring the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the Lincoln Highway threading through gaps in the Blue Mountain and Kittatinny Mountain ridges.