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1915 Map of Somerset

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

USGS Topo · Published 1915

About this map

Somerset serves as the focal point for this 1915 survey of the Pennsylvania highlands, where the local economy transitioned between agriculture and heavy industry. The landscape is defined by the prominent Laurel Ridge, which creates a natural barrier between Westmoreland and Somerset counties. Transportation through this difficult terrain was facilitated by the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia Turnpike and the Pittsburgh Westmoreland and Somerset RR, which followed the winding paths of Loyalhanna Creek and Quemahoning Creek.

Resource extraction is evident throughout the region, with significant operations such as the Husband Mine, Orenda Mine, and Listie Mine marking the coal-rich seams of the era. The map reveals a dense network of local institutions, including dozens of rural schoolhouses like Willow Grove School and Boucher School, alongside established milling sites such as Rectors Mill and Klines Mill. This detailed survey offers an essential view of the coal-era infrastructure, from the Quemahoning Tunnel to the rail sidings at Blair Siding.