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1954 Map of Wanaque

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Wanaque
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1956
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1956

About this map

The Wanaque Reservoir dominates the landscape of Passaic County, its jagged shoreline creating a central water system for the surrounding valley. In this mid-century survey, the communities of Midvale, Wanaque, and Haskell are shown in detail, clustered along the river and rail corridors. The Erie Railroad and the New York Susquehanna and Western Railroad parallel the local waterways, supporting the area's industrial nodes such as Smiths Mills.

Away from the residential centers, the Norvin Green State Forest and high points like Federal Hill and Torne Mtn indicate the transition into the Ramapo Mountains. Local history is documented through landmarks like the Eleanor Hewitt Sch, Cedar Heights Cem, and several water control structures including the Raymond Dam and Wolf Den Dam. The map reflects a period of established suburban growth centered on the reservoir's vital resources.