1951 Map of Natural Bridge

About this map

Natural Bridge and its surrounding wetlands occupy a landscape defined by the winding course of the Indian River and the operations of the New York Central railroad. This 1951 survey shows a rural economy of small settlements and crossing points along the border of Jefferson and Lewis Counties. The northern portion of the map is dominated by the Camp Drum Military Reservation, while the southern reaches are heavy with named wetlands like Black Ash Swamp and Schoolhouse Swamp. Local genealogy is preserved through markers such as Hillside Cemetery and Blanchard Cemetery, along with small crossroads like Diana Center and Bartlett Corners. The intricate network of small water bodies, including Onjebonge Pond and Steam Mill Pond, suggests a history of local water-driven industry and timber management common to the region before mid-century modernization.