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1900 Map of Staten Island

Name: 1900 Topographic Map of Staten Island
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1900
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1900

About this map

Staten Island and its surrounding harbor waters dominate this turn-of-the-century topographic portrait, revealing a landscape defined by defensive fortifications and a complex web of maritime transport. The strategic importance of The Narrows is clear, guarded by Fort Wadsworth, Fort Tompkins, and Fort Lafayette. To the north, the industrial character of the era is evident along the Morris Canal and the massive rail infrastructure of the Central Railroad of New Jersey.

Genealogists will find a wealth of established 19th-century settlements, from Tottenville at the southern tip to Elizabeth Port across the Kill Van Kull. Notable landmarks such as Ellis Island, Liberty Id., and Black Tom underscore the commercial and immigration activity concentrated in the Upper Bay. This survey also preserves the names of natural features before significant 20th-century development, including the marshy expanses of Fresh Kills and the numerous named creeks like Oyster Creek and Bound Creek.