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1947 Map of Wilkes-Barre East

Name: 1947 Topographic Map of Wilkes-Barre East
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1966
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

Wilkes-Barre Mountain dominates the center of this landscape, separating the industrial bustle of Wilkes-Barre and Georgetown from the higher plateau to the southeast. At the turn of the post-war era, the anthracite coal influence remains visible in the strip mine and mine dump topography north of Laurel Run, while the southern half of the map reveals a shift toward recreation and summer residence. Features like Crystal Lake, Bear Creek Lake, and Forest Park signify the area's transition into a mountain retreat for valley residents.

A complex transportation network threads through the gaps, including the Central Railroad of New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley Railroad, which navigate the steep grades near Glen Summit. Local education and community life are anchored by the Laurel Sch, Oliver Sch, and Holy Trinity Cem, providing critical landmarks for genealogists tracking families in the borough of Bear Creek or the township of Fairview.