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1903 Map of Richfield Springs

Name: 1903 Topographic Map of Richfield Springs
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1903
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1903

About this map

Otsego Lake and the northern reach of its Steamboat Route anchor the southern portion of this turn-of-the-century topographic study. The landscape is defined by the convergence of several prominent townships including Springfield, Stark, and Warren, where a network of hamlets and crossroads like Jordanville, Starkville, and Vanhornesville served the region's agricultural economy. The transportation infrastructure of 1903 is clearly visible, featuring the D. L. & W. R. R. terminating at Richfield Springs near the shores of Canadarago Lake, and the D. & H. R. R. cutting through the southeastern corner near Cherry Valley.

Elevations vary significantly across the quadrangle, from the high peaks of Waiontha Mt. and Mt. Tom to the low-lying drainage basins of Otsquago Creek and Nowadaga Creek. Local-history researchers can trace the early property divisions and the specific locations of rural clusters such as Crains Corners, Willse Four Corners, and Smith Corners, which illustrate the density of settlement before the expansion of modern highways.