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1956 Map of Reading

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Reading
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1988
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1988

About this map

The Schuylkill River carves a winding path through the heart of Berks County, defining the industrial and urban layout of Reading and its surrounding boroughs. During the mid-century period, the expansion of suburban communities like Wyomissing Hills, West Lawn, and Shillington is evident, while the city core remains anchored by significant institutions such as Albright College and the Reading Hospital. The landscape transitions from the dense urban grid of West Reading to the prominent heights of Neversink Mountain and Mount Penn, where the distinctive Pagoda and Stone Tower overlook the valley.

Industrial heritage is marked by the presence of Silt Basin features and a Quarry near Shillington, reflecting the area's resource-driven economy. To the south, the terrain becomes more wooded, preserved within Nolde Forest State Park and Sheerlund Forests. This survey also documents numerous local landmarks, from the Van Reeds Mill on Tulpehocken Creek to the various parochial schools and churches, including Sacred Heart Sch and Friedens Ch, that served the region's diverse neighborhoods.