1954 Map of North Pownal

About this map

The Hoosic River valley carves through the Taconic Mountains, defining the borderlands of Rensselaer County and Bennington County during the mid-20th century. This area is characterized by narrow hollows such as Breese Hollow and Potter Hollow, where small-scale settlement and agriculture were established between the steep ridges. The industrial and transit identity of the region is anchored by the Boston and Maine railroad, which follows the river course through Petersburg Junction and North Pownal. Local history is preserved in the numerous family and community landmarks, including the Hoosick Cem and the School No 31 Cem. While larger towns like Hoosick and Petersburg appear at the margins, the interior is a landscape of named hills like Moon Hill and Bald Mtn, and conservation efforts are evidenced by the State Reforestation Area in the northwest.