Old Map of Brooklyn by Rand McNally, 1897: Downtown Brooklyn, Bushwick, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Williamsburg
Immerse yourself in the historical allure of New York City with the ‘Rand, McNally & Co’s Map of the Main Portion of Brooklyn’, a captivating cartographic representation of Brooklyn, as it stood in the year 1897. This meticulously detailed city map is an exquisite artifact that offers a unique glimpse into the urban landscape of Brooklyn, prior to its consolidation with the other boroughs of New York City. The map’s coverage extends from Downtown Brooklyn to Prospect Heights, encompassing the bustling neighborhoods of Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Bedford-Stuyvesant. The absence of the Manhattan Bridge, which had not yet been built, is a notable feature, offering a rare view of the city before its iconic skyline was fully formed.
This map serves as a fascinating historical document, charting the evolution of Brooklyn’s urban topography. The cartographers of Rand McNally have intricately detailed the street layouts and architectural landmarks of the time, presenting a rich tapestry of Brooklyn’s urban life at the turn of the century. Of particular interest is the depiction of Fort Greene Park, then known as Washington Park, before its transformation by the celebrated landscape architects, Olmsted and Vaux. The map also demarcates the northeastern border of Brooklyn with Newtown, a former city that now encompasses many Queens neighborhoods, including present-day Ridgewood.
In addition to its geographical precision, the map offers a wealth of cultural and historical insights. It provides a snapshot of Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique character and history. Downtown Brooklyn, the city’s commercial and financial hub, contrasts sharply with the residential tranquility of Prospect Heights. The vibrant communities of Williamsburg and Bushwick, renowned for their cultural dynamism and artistic spirit, are also vividly portrayed. The map also includes Crown Heights, a neighborhood rich in architectural heritage and cultural diversity.
The ‘Rand, McNally & Co’s Map of the Main Portion of Brooklyn’ is more than just a geographical representation; it is a historical artifact that captures the spirit and character of a city on the cusp of monumental change. It offers a window into the past, inviting you to explore the streets of Brooklyn as they were over a century ago. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of maps, or simply someone with a fondness for New York City, this map is sure to enchant and inspire.
Neighborhoods:
- Downtown Brooklyn
- Bushwick
- Prospect Heights
- Crown Heights
- Williamsburg
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Bedford-Stuyvesant
- Major Streets:
- Flatbush Avenue
- Atlantic Avenue
- Myrtle Avenue
- Fulton Street
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Bedford Avenue
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Major Parks:
- Fort Greene Park (then known as Washington Park)
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Prospect Park
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Historic Landmarks:
- Brooklyn City Hall (now Brooklyn Borough Hall)
- Kings County Courthouse
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Brooklyn Navy Yard
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Williamsburg Savings Bank
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Historical Events:
- The depiction of Brooklyn before the construction of the Manhattan Bridge
- The representation of Fort Greene Park before its transformation by Olmsted and Vaux
- The map’s publication the year before the consolidation of Brooklyn with the other boroughs of New York City
- The delineation of the border between Brooklyn and Newtown, a former city that now includes many Queens neighborhoods
- The detailed depiction of Brooklyn’s urban landscape at the turn of the century
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is undefined or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father’s Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you’d like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
