Old Map of Harlem, NYC by Bromley, 1879: Spuyten Duyvil Creek, Harlem River, Broadway, Kingsbridge Ave, University Ave
Introducing the “Part of Ward 12, New York City” map, a captivating glimpse into the urban fabric of New York City as it stood in 1879. Crafted by the renowned mapmaker G.W. Bromley, this map provides an intricate view of the city’s street grid and property plots, meticulously detailing the landscape of Ward 12. The map not only highlights the urban planning of the era but also offers a unique historical perspective on the development and land ownership patterns that shaped the city.
This map is particularly notable for its depiction of significant neighborhoods and landmarks within Ward 12. The Spuyten Duyvil Creek, a prominent waterway, is elegantly illustrated, reflecting the natural geography that influenced the city’s expansion. The Harlem River, another key feature, is prominently displayed, emphasizing its importance as a transportation and trade route during the late 19th century. These waterways, combined with the detailed street grids, provide a comprehensive understanding of the area’s layout and its strategic significance.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this map is its detailed representation of land ownership. Each property plot is meticulously labeled with the names of landowners, offering a rare glimpse into the individuals and families who played a crucial role in the city’s development. This level of detail not only adds to the map’s historical value but also makes it a valuable resource for genealogists and historians interested in tracing the lineage of New York City’s early inhabitants.
The map also highlights the urban planning and infrastructure of the time, with clearly marked streets such as Broadway, Kingsbridge Ave, and University Ave. These thoroughfares, many of which remain central to the city’s layout today, illustrate the foresight and planning that went into the city’s expansion. The inclusion of topographical lines further enhances the map’s utility, providing insights into the elevation changes and natural features that influenced the city’s growth.
G.W. Bromley’s craftsmanship is evident in the map’s design and execution. Known for his detailed and accurate urban maps, Bromley’s work is highly regarded among collectors and historians. This map of Ward 12 is a testament to his skill and dedication to cartography, offering a window into the past that is both visually stunning and historically significant. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a cartography aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of old maps, this piece is sure to be a treasured addition to your collection.
Streets and roads on this map
- Aqueduct Ave
- Bailey Ave
- Broadway
- Cedar Ave
- Depot Pl
- Fordham Ave
- Grand Ave
- Greystone Ave
- Harlem River Rd
- Heath Ave
- High Bridge Rd
- Kingsbridge Ave
- Kingsbridge Rd
- Lincoln Ave
- Macombs Rd
- Nelson Ave
- Ogden Ave
- Sedgwick Ave
- Sherman Ave
- Summit Ave
- Undercliff Ave
- University Ave
- Valentine Ave
- Van Cortlandt Ave
- W 230th St
- W 231st St
- W 232nd St
- W 233rd St
- W 234th St
- Webb Ave
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Spuyten Duyvil Creek
- Harlem River
- Detailed property plots with owner names
- Topographical lines indicating elevation changes
Historical and design context
- Name of the map: Part of Ward 12, New York City
- Date created: 1879
- Mapmaker or publisher: G.W. Bromley
- Context about the mapmaker: G.W. Bromley was known for producing detailed and accurate maps of urban areas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Topics and themes:
- Urban layout: The map shows the street grid and property plots in Ward 12.
- Land ownership: The map provides details about land parcels and their owners.
- Geographical features: Rivers, bodies of water, and topographical details are depicted.
- Regions shown: Part of Ward 12 in New York City.
- Design or style: The map is hand-drawn with color-coded sections, detailed street grids, and property boundaries. It includes topographical lines and labels for various plots of land.
- Historical significance: This map provides a historical snapshot of the urban development and land ownership in New York City in the late 19th 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 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) 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.
