1954 Map of Old Forge

About this map

Old Forge serves as the primary hub for this mid-century view of the Adirondack State Park, where the Fulton Chain Lakes extend through a landscape of dense peaks and interior lodges. Recreation and local industry are evident in features like the Ski Tows and Ski Jump near McCauley Mtn, alongside the Riverside Cem and a local Hatchery. The map documents a network of seasonal and remote outposts, including Bisby Lodge, Mountain Lodge, and Forest Lodge, which provided access to the region's vast water systems like Little Moose Lake and the Bisby Lakes. A distinct interpretive detail is the presence of several isolated farms and landings, such as Cahans Farm and Herkimer Landing, illustrating how remote homesteads and supply points persisted deep within the forest during the 1950s. Named terrain features like Deadmans Gulch and Ice Cave Mountain underscore the specific character of this Adirondack wilderness before more modern development patterns took hold.