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1901 Map of Old Forge

Name: 1901 Topographic Map of Old Forge
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1913
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1913

About this map

Old Forge stands as the primary gateway to the central Adirondacks, characterized at the turn of the century by a burgeoning network of seasonal lodges and remote camps. This landscape is defined by the Adirondack Division New York Central and Hudson River RR, which brought travelers into the high country to access the Chain Lakes region. Navigational life is detailed through the Steamboat Route connecting First Lake, Second Lake, and Third Lake, illustrating how the waterway served as a vital thoroughfare before modern road networks dominated the terrain.

The presence of specialized outposts such as Bishy Lodge, Carlin Camp, and Mountain Lodge reflects the era's sporting and wilderness culture. Further south, the map details the isolated settlement at Atwell and the winding course of the Moose River South Branch. The survey reveals a complex hydrological system of ponds and swamps, including Third Lake Swamp and Limekiln Lake, that shaped the early development of timber and tourism industries in Herkimer and Hamilton counties.