Loading map...

1954 Map of Old Forge

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Old Forge
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1959
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1959

About this map

Old Forge serves as the gateway to the central Adirondacks in this mid-century survey, situated at the headwaters of the Moose River. The landscape is dominated by the Fulton Chain Lakes, with First Lake through Seventh Lake tracing a watery path through the high peaks. The topography reveals a region defined by recreational retreats and early twentieth-century seasonal residences, evidenced by the presence of Bisby Lodge, Mountain Lodge, and Forest Lodge.

Remote settlements like Atwell and Herkimer Landing underscore the isolation of the western wilderness during this era. While the South Shore Road and North Shore Road provide access to the larger lakes, vast tracts remain reachable only by trail or water, particularly around Big Moose Lake and the steep slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain and McCauley Mtn. The survey captures the Adirondacks before modern expansion, preserving the footprint of historic camps and farms like Cahans Farm amid the dense network of peaks and ponds.