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1947 Map of Roselle

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

USGS Topo · Published 1947

About this map

The Rahway River and its tributaries define the industrial and suburban landscape of Union County in the late 1940s, a period of dense development bounded by significant parklands. Major transport corridors like the Central RR of New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley RR converge at Cranford Junction, highlighting the region's importance as a rail hub between Westfield and Roselle. These tracks parallel primary thoroughfares such as South Avenue and Central Avenue, which supported the growing residential centers of Garwood and Roselle Park.

Preserved natural areas provide a sharp contrast to the urban grid, with the Watchung Reservation and South Mountain Reservation anchoring the western and northern edges. Significant water infrastructure is visible at Canoe Brook Reservoir, while community life is represented by numerous golf courses and local landmarks like Battle Hill. The map also captures several vanished or evolved local points such as Vaux Hall and the early layout of Kenilworth during its mid-century expansion.