1938 Map of White Plains

About this map

White Plains and the riverfront communities of Westchester County are shown here as they appeared in the late 1930s, defined by a dense network of suburban estates, institutional grounds, and expansive cemeteries. The estate of Kykuit sits prominently in Pocantico Hills, while the western edge of the map follows the Hudson River from Ardsley on Hudson north to Philipsville Manor. Significant land use is dedicated to health and social services of the era, including the Grasslands Hospital, Westchester Penitentiary, and the Bloomingdale Asylum. The landscape is physically shaped by the massive Kensico Reservoir and the valleys of the Sawmill River and Pocantico River. Transportation is dominated by three divisions of the New York Central Railroad, facilitating the growth of commuter hubs like Hartsdale, Valhalla, and Tarrytown. Local education and social life are represented by Marymount College, Hackley Sch, and numerous country clubs including the Fairview Country Club.