1903 Map of Raquette Lake

About this map

Forked Lake and Brandreth Lake anchor this 1899 survey of the central Adirondack wilderness, captured decades before modern development reshaped the region's accessibility. The landscape is a complex network of glacial ponds and mountain peaks, including Moose Pond Mt and the Blue Ridge, connected by the Raquette River. A notable detail of the era's transport is the Steamboat Route shown navigating the larger water bodies, a primary means of movement through the dense forest for early tourists and logging interests alike. Personal names appear on several landmarks, such as Whitney's Little Forked Lake, hinting at the era of private preserves and massive land holdings that defined this part of Hamilton County. Small outposts like Fish Camp and various unnamed camps represent the light human footprint in this vast interior at the turn of the century.