1969 Map of West Shokan

About this map

The Ashokan Reservoir dominates the eastern edge of this Catskill landscape, where the waters meet the steep slopes of High Point and South Mtn. In the late 1960s, the area reflects a transition between the wild interior of the Catskill State Park and the settled valleys of the Bush Kill and Mettacahonts Creek. Small communities like West Shokan and Brodhead are shown near the reservoir, while more secluded settlements such as Samsonville and Palentown sit deeper in the southern hollows. The presence of the Penn Central railroad line along the reservoir's northern reach indicates the remaining infrastructure of an era when rail was vital to these mountain hamlets. Genealogists may find interest in the isolated Palentown Cem or the network of local routes like Sahler Mill Rd and Cherry Town Road that link family homes throughout the townships of Olive, Denning, and Rochester.