1901 Map of Niagara Falls

About this map

The Niagara River defines this international border landscape at the dawn of the 20th century, serving as both a powerful natural obstacle and a burgeoning industrial corridor. Military history anchors the northern reaches where Fort Niagara and Fort Missassauga guard the entrance to Lake Ontario. Moving south, the map details the intense concentration of rail infrastructure near the cataracts, including the Niagara Falls and Suspension Bridge R. R. and the complex trackage of the N. Y. C. & H. R. R. R. near the famous Suspension Bridge. The rugged topography of the gorge is evident between Lewiston and the falls, marked by the Whirlpool and Foster Flats. Islands like Goat Id. and Navy Id. sit amidst the heavy currents, while settlements such as Youngstown and Queenston overlook the water, illustrating the era's reliance on the river for defense, transport, and early hydroelectric potential via the Niagara Construction Company R. R.