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1894 Map of Wilkes Barre

Name: 1894 Topographic Map of Wilkes Barre
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1929
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1929

About this map

Susquehanna River and Lehigh River drainage basins anchor this 1890s survey of the anthracite coal region, where deep valleys and prominent ridges like Penobscot Mountain and Wyoming Mountain dictate the path of industry. This era reveals a landscape defined by an intensive network of competing rail lines, including the L.V. R.R. and C.R.R. of N.J., which connected small patches and junctions such as Moffatt Patch and Bear Creek Junction.

Settlements like White Haven and Nanticoke serve as hubs for the mining and transport operations that flourished along the steep gaps. Notable local landmarks include the Plymouth Ferry crossing and high-altitude points like Penobscot Knob. The transition from industrial hubs to high-country terrain is evident in the presence of Crystal Lake and the various gaps, such as Warriors Gap and Espy Gap, which allowed passage through the otherwise formidable mountain ranges.