1893 Map of Somerville

About this map

Somerville and the surrounding Somerset County landscape are defined by a complex network of waterways and early industrial infrastructure at the close of the nineteenth century. The confluence of the Raritan River and its branches dictates the layout of the region, supported by engineering works like the Water Power Cos Raceway near Raritan. This era shows a dense web of transportation, where the Central Railroad of New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley Railroad intersect at key hubs like Bound Brook. Natural landmarks such as Allimatona Falls and Chimney Rock provide geographical anchors among the many established villages. Smaller settlements like Greater Cross Roads and Pluckamin represent the rural character of the uplands before modern suburban expansion, while the presence of locations like North Branch Depot highlights the critical role of the rail-to-village economy.