1955 Map of Orange

About this map

The eastern slopes of the Watchung Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for the densely populated suburbs of Essex County in the mid-1950s. This survey illustrates the intricate residential and industrial weave of the Oranges, Montclair, and Bloomfield, where major transit corridors like the Garden State Parkway and Bloomfield Ave shaped the post-war commute. The landscape is defined by its massive institutional and communal footprints, ranging from the Cedar Grove Reservoir to extensive healthcare sites like Overbrook Hospital and the County Sanatorium. Educational and religious life is exceptionally detailed, featuring Upsala College and a high density of parish schools such as St Cassian Sch & Ch. To the east, the Passaic River forms a critical industrial boundary, flanked by the residential grids of Belleville and Nutley. Large recreational and preservation areas, including Mills Reservation County Park and Eagle Rock Reservation (County Park), offer a stark contrast to the surrounding urban expansion.