1903 Map of Kaaterskill

About this map

Woodstock and Tannersville anchor this study of the eastern Catskills at the turn of the century, a landscape defined by its transition from a mountain wilderness to a premiere resort destination. The iconic Mountain House sits perched above Palenville, accessible via the steep grade of the Otis Elevating Rr, while private enclaves like Twilight Park and Onteora Park illustrate the era's developing seasonal communities. The rail network of the U. & D. R. R. serves the high peaks, meeting the Kaaterskill branch at Kaaterskill Junction. Beyond the luxury hotels, the map documents a working rural landscape of post offices and small settlements such as Platt Clove P.O. and Wittenberg P.O.. High elevation features like Hunter Mt. and High Peak loom over the Stony Clove pass, while the headwaters of Schoharie Creek and Kaaterskill Creek carve the deep ravines that drew early tourists to landmarks like Kaaterskill Falls.