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1898 Map of Paterson

Name: 1898 Topographic Map of Paterson
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1898
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1898

About this map

Garret Rock and the surrounding heights overlook a landscape defined by the industrial engine of the Passaic River in the late nineteenth century. This era of development is marked by a complex web of infrastructure, including the Morris Canal winding through Acquackanonk and the massive hydraulic engineering of the Dundee Dam. The sheet documents the dense urban growth of Paterson alongside quieter commuter settlements like Hohokus, Glen Rock, and Rochelle Park, all connected by competing rail lines such as the New York Lake Erie and Western Railroad.

Further east, the marshlands of the Hackensack River basin are punctuated by prominent landmarks like Snake Hill and the sprawling grounds of Schuetzen Park. The presence of the Newark Waterworks Aqueduct and the Jersey City Waterworks underscores the critical role this region played in supporting the burgeoning metropolitan population, providing a fascinating look at the early integration of water management, heavy industry, and early suburban expansion.