1902 Map of Mt. Marcy

About this map

Mt. Marcy anchors this turn-of-the-century topographic study, which illustrates the high summits and isolated settlements of Essex County. The map details the early development of Adirondack Lodge and the gateway village of Keene Valley, revealing the footpaths and wagon roads that connected these remote outposts before modern infrastructure. Within the Adirondack Mountain Reserve, the survey captures the complex drainage patterns of the Opalescent River and high-elevation water bodies like Lake Tear. This era of mapping was conducted in cooperation with the State Engineer and Surveyor, focusing on the diverse land use between the southern reaches of North Elba and the dense forests of North Hudson. The landscape is a mix of high peaks such as Big Slide Mt. and Gothic Mt., intertwined with numerous brooks and small camps that reflect the region's early importance to recreation and conservation.