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1901 Map of Old Forge

Name: 1901 Topographic Map of Old Forge
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1931
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1931

About this map

Old Forge serves as the gateway to this turn-of-the-century Adirondack wilderness, where early tourism and the lumber industry shaped the landscape. The N.Y.C. and H.R. R.R. (Adirondack Division) provides the primary corridor through the dense terrain, connecting isolated outposts like Atwell and Honnedaga. The intricate waterway system of the Fulton Chain Lakes is a central feature, complete with a designated Steamboat Route navigating between First Lake and Fourth Lake.

Beyond the primary settlements, the map reveals a network of specialized camps and lodges, such as Mountain Lodge, Bisby Lodge, and Finch Camp, suggesting a region transitioning into a premier recreational destination. The topography is defined by prominent peaks like Bald Mountain and Panther Mountain, while unique geological features such as Ice Cave Valley and the Rock Dam Stillwater along the South Branch Moose River highlight the complex natural drainage patterns of the Herkimer and Hamilton County borderlands.