1903 Map of Phoenicia

About this map

Phoenicia sits at the junction of Esopus Creek and Stony Clove, serving as a central hub for the mountain settlements of the central Catskills at the turn of the century. The rail-dependent economy of the era is evidenced by the Ulster and Delaware railroad, which threads through the steep valleys to reach remote stops like Mt. Pleasant Station and the Highmount Grand Hotel. These mountain corridors were shared between industry and recreation, with logging and small-scale agriculture occurring alongside retreats like Winnisook Lodge near the base of Slide Mountain. The topography dictates a fragmented settlement pattern, where hamlets such as Bushnellsville, Oliverea, and Lanesville are isolated by massive peaks like Panther Mountain and Wittenberg Mt.. This 1900 survey captures the region just before the expansion of the New York City watershed began to significantly alter the valley landscapes.