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1908 Map of Potsdam

Name: 1908 Topographic Map of Potsdam
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1947
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1947

About this map

The Raquette River dominates the western half of this St. Lawrence County landscape, powering the industry and settlement patterns of Potsdam and Colton at the turn of the century. Along its banks and the neighboring St Regis River, numerous water-driven features like Rainbow Falls and Gain Twist Falls speak to the region's hydraulic resources. The New York Central railroad provides the primary industrial artery, passing through the growing hub of Norwood.

Beyond the river valleys, the landscape transitions into a network of rural schools and small hamlets typical of the era, such as Beechertown and Sanfordville. Genealogists will find a high density of named schoolhouses including the Old Forge School and Claflin School, which served as the centers of local social life. The southern terrain begins to rise toward the Adirondack foothills, marked by features like High Flats and a complex system of glacial ponds including Arbuckle Pond and Clear Pond.