{"product_id":"old-map-of-owasco-lake-new-york-by-usgs-1956-auburn-finger-lakes-skaneateles-lake","title":"Old Map of Owasco Lake, New York by USGS, 1956 – Auburn, Finger Lakes \u0026 Skaneateles Lake","description":"\u003cp\u003ePublished with a 1961 imprint from 1956 mapping, the US Geological Survey’s “Auburn” captures a richly detailed mid-century portrait of central New York’s Finger Lakes country. At a scale of 1:62,500, the map centers on Auburn and Owasco Lake, extending across a landscape of farms, small settlements, roads, railroads, and rolling uplands. Its title is succinct, but the territory it describes is layered with regional character: an urban county seat set amid glacial lakes, rural valleys, and historic transportation corridors. The map’s careful color scheme distinguishes blue water, brown contouring, black cultural features, and road networks, creating an elegant visual hierarchy that reflects the USGS commitment to clarity, precision, and scientific authority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe US Geological Survey, founded in 1879, became one of the defining cartographic institutions of the United States, tasked with measuring, classifying, and representing the nation’s physical landscape. Its topographic maps are prized not merely for their accuracy, but for the way they preserve a particular moment in geographic time. In “Auburn,” the agency’s disciplined style is evident in the contour lines that describe every hill, hollow, and slope around Owasco Lake. These lines transform the map into a three-dimensional reading of the region, revealing the glacially carved terrain that gives the Finger Lakes their distinctive drama. Roads, railways, urban blocks, and waterways appear in balanced relation to the landforms beneath them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOwasco Lake, one of the celebrated Finger Lakes, forms the map’s natural centerpiece, stretching southward in a narrow, graceful basin shaped by ancient ice. The surrounding contours show the steepening ground along the lake’s edges and the softer uplands beyond, a classic expression of the region’s glacial geology. By the mid-20th century, Owasco was already valued for recreation, scenery, and water resources, while still closely tied to the agricultural communities around it. The map situates the lake within a broader network of rural roads, hamlets, fields, and drainage patterns, offering a view of a landscape poised between working countryside and leisure destination. Nearby Skaneateles Lake also anchors the wider Finger Lakes setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuburn itself appears as the principal urban presence, its street grid, parks, rail connections, and outward-reaching roads marking it as a regional hub. The city carries exceptional historical resonance: it was the chosen home of Harriet Tubman after the Civil War, and its 19th-century architecture speaks to an era of industrial ambition, reform movements, and civic growth. On this map, Auburn is not isolated from its history or landscape; it is embedded in a network of surrounding villages, farms, and transport routes. Union Springs and other settlements appear as part of the social geography of Cayuga County, while railroads and highways reveal the practical infrastructure that connected local life to wider markets and neighboring lake communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a historical document, “Auburn” offers a finely observed snapshot of the region before later waves of suburban expansion, highway alteration, and environmental change reshaped portions of central New York. Its mid-century road network, rail alignments, rural settlement pattern, and urban footprint invite comparison with the present, making the map valuable for understanding how Auburn and the Owasco Lake area evolved. The topographic detail is especially compelling: hills, valleys, shorelines, and drainage courses are rendered with quiet precision, allowing the viewer to read the land as both scenery and system. It is a map of place in the fullest sense—scientific, historical, and evocative of the Finger Lakes’ enduring beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCities, towns and places on this map\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuburn, NY\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOwasco Lake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnion Springs, NY\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSkaneateles Lake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVarious rural settlements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSecondary roads and highways\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRailroads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNearby hills and valleys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eParks within the city limits and surrounding areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMid-20th-century landmarks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHistorical context \u0026amp; cartographic details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduced by the US Geological Survey (USGS)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHistorical 1:62,500 topographical map\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDated 1956 with a 1961 imprint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShows Owasco Lake, Auburn, and the surrounding area in mid-20th-century New York\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe USGS was established in 1879 and is known for detailed geographic and geological mapping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOwasco Lake is one of the Finger Lakes, noted for scenic beauty and recreation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuburn is historically significant as the home of Harriet Tubman and for its 19th-century architecture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClear color scheme distinguishes water bodies, land elevations, and urban areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContour lines show elevation changes, hills, and valleys around the lake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCaptures the region’s geography and infrastructure before later urban development, environmental changes, and infrastructure alterations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLooking for a particular place?\u003c\/strong\u003e Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/es\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eask our workshop to check before you order\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDetailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please \u003ca href=\"\/es\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/es\/pages\/map-personalisation\"\u003eSee personalised map examples\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/es\/collections\/all-old-vintage-antique-maps\"\u003erare old and vintage maps\u003c\/a\u003e to discover another place, period or style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67878376210823,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67878376243591,"sku":null,"price":199.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67878376276359,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Map","offer_id":67878376309127,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67878376341895,"sku":null,"price":201.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67878376374663,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67878376407431,"sku":null,"price":119.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67878376440199,"sku":null,"price":268.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67878376472967,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67878376505735,"sku":null,"price":149.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67878376538503,"sku":null,"price":306.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67878376571271,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67878376604039,"sku":null,"price":159.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67878376636807,"sku":null,"price":459.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67878376669575,"sku":null,"price":516.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":67878376702343,"sku":null,"price":149.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67878376735111,"sku":null,"price":299.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67878376767879,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67878376800647,"sku":null,"price":179.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67878376833415,"sku":null,"price":459.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67878376866183,"sku":null,"price":539.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Map","offer_id":67878376898951,"sku":null,"price":179.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67878376931719,"sku":null,"price":509.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67878376964487,"sku":null,"price":539.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67878376997255,"sku":null,"price":229.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67878377030023,"sku":null,"price":659.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67878377062791,"sku":null,"price":659.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67878377095559,"sku":null,"price":229.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67878377128327,"sku":null,"price":659.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67878377161095,"sku":null,"price":659.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Map","offer_id":67878377193863,"sku":null,"price":316.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67878377226631,"sku":null,"price":1463.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67878377259399,"sku":null,"price":1377.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67878377292167,"sku":null,"price":478.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67878377324935,"sku":null,"price":1778.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67878377357703,"sku":null,"price":1673.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67878377390471,"sku":null,"price":583.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67878377423239,"sku":null,"price":2676.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67878377456007,"sku":null,"price":2485.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67878377488775,"sku":null,"price":1080.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67878377521543,"sku":null,"price":3775.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67878377554311,"sku":null,"price":3584.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_a4134caf-cf07-454c-981b-65db174f7550.jpg?v=1793653404","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.ca\/es\/products\/old-map-of-owasco-lake-new-york-by-usgs-1956-auburn-finger-lakes-skaneateles-lake","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}