1907 Map of Port Leyden

About this map

Port Leyden and the surrounding Lewis County landscape in the early twentieth century are defined by the hydraulic and industrial power of the Black River valley. The Black River Canal runs parallel to the river through the southern portion of the map, serving as a vital transport artery alongside the New York Central and Hudson River RR and the Utica Line. Industrial hubs like Lyons Falls, Goulds Mill, and Kosterville illustrate the era's reliance on water power, while specialized timber or freight lines like the Glenfield and Western RR push into the western highlands near Whetstone Gulf. Local social geography is recorded through small post offices and hamlets such as Leyden Station PO, Locust Grove, and Houseville. To the east, the terrain transitions into a more wooded lake district featuring Brantingham Lake and Catspaw Lake, marking a shift from the agrarian and industrial river valley to the North Country wilderness.