1948 Map of Wanaque

About this map

Wanaque Reservoir dominates the landscape of Passaic County in the years following World War II, its waters contained by the Raymond Dam and Wolf Den Dam. This post-war era shows a region defined by the complex relationship between rising suburbanization and essential water infrastructure. Communities like Midvale, Haskell, and Bloomingdale are well-established along the primary transit corridors, while the northern reaches near Monks and Stonetown remain characterized by rugged terrain and numerous smaller lakes such as Lake Erskine and Lake Iosco. The rail network of the Erie and the New York Susquehanna and Western railroads provide the backbone for local commerce and commuting, intersecting at Pompton Junction. Cultural landmarks like the Salvation Army Camp and the Aquehonga Sch offer a look into the mid-century social fabric of the Highlands.