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1915 Map of Reading

Name: 1915 Topographic Map of Reading
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1930
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1930

About this map

Reading serves as the industrial and transportation nexus of Berks County in this early twentieth-century survey, where the Schuylkill River and the Schuylkill Canal intersect with a dense network of rail lines including the Pennsylvania RR. The urban grid of the city is clearly defined, pushing against the steep slopes of Mt Penn and Neversink Mountain. Beyond the city center, the landscape transitions into a series of townships like Alsace and Oley, characterized by a high density of rural schoolhouses such as Shoemakersville School and Livingood School.

Local landmarks of the era are meticulously recorded, from the recreational grounds of Carsonia Park and the Fairgrounds to the historic Friends Meetinghouse. Industrial heritage is visible along the creeks, noted by features like Van Reeds Mill. The map documents numerous small settlements and post offices such as Dryville PO and Lyon Station, providing a detailed view of the region's development before the widespread expansion of the modern highway system.