"Part of ward 24, New York City," created by G.W. Bromley in 1879, is a captivating glimpse into the historical fabric of New York City. This meticulously hand-colored lithographed map captures the intricate details of Ward 24, now part of the Bronx, showcasing the vibrant neighborhoods, bustling streets, and significant landmarks that defined the area during the late 19th century. The map is not only a visual delight but also a rich historical document, offering insights into the urban development and infrastructure of one of the world's most iconic cities.
The map highlights several prominent neighborhoods, including Fordham, Belmont, and East Tremont. These areas, now well-known for their cultural and historical significance, are depicted with precision, showing the layout of streets, buildings, and public spaces. Fordham, for instance, is home to the esteemed Saint Johns College, a landmark that stands out on the map. The detailed representation of these neighborhoods provides a fascinating look at their early development and the community structures that have evolved over time.
One of the most striking features of this map is its depiction of natural landmarks such as Spuyten Duyvil Creek and Tibbetts Brook. These watercourses, along with the Bronx River, are intricately illustrated, reflecting their importance to the area's geography and history. The map also shows original water courses and farm lines, offering a glimpse into the natural landscape before urbanization transformed it. These elements highlight the interplay between the natural environment and the burgeoning cityscape.
The inclusion of significant infrastructure elements, such as the Southern Railway Co. and various street railways, underscores the rapid industrialization and growth of New York City during this period. The map meticulously details fire hydrants, water mains, and block dimensions, showcasing the city's advanced planning and development efforts. This level of detail not only serves as a valuable resource for historians and urban planners but also enhances the map's aesthetic appeal.
G.W. Bromley, the mapmaker, was renowned for his detailed atlases of urban areas, particularly New York City and Philadelphia. His work is characterized by its accuracy and attention to detail, making his maps highly sought after by collectors and historians alike. This map of Ward 24 is a testament to Bromley's expertise and dedication to cartography, capturing a pivotal moment in New York City's history with remarkable clarity and precision.
Streets and roads on this map
- Aqueduct Ave
- Arthur Ave
- Bathgate Ave
- Bathgate Brothers
- Belmont Ave
- Boulevard
- Brady Ave
- Broadway
- Clinton Ave
- Crotona Ave
- Elm St
- Franklin Ave
- Fulton Ave
- Garden St
- Grand Ave
- Hoffman St
- Hughes Ave
- Jefferson Ave
- Kingsbridge Road
- Lorillard Place
- Marion Ave
- Monroe Ave
- Perry Ave
- Prospect Ave
- Southern Boulevard
- Southern Railway Co.
- St. John's College Ave
- Third Ave
- Union Ave
- Washington Ave
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Saint Johns College
- Fordham
- Belmont
- East Tremont
- Spuyten Duyvil Creek
- Tibbetts Brook
- Bronx River
- Southern Railway Co.
- Various original farm lines and water courses
Historical and design context
- Hand colored lithographed map.
- Maps in the atlas show buildings, fire hydrants, steam and street railways, original water courses, original farm lines, ward boundaries, water mains, block dimensions, etc.
- Includes Spuyten Duyvil, Spuyten Duyvil Creek, Tibbetts Brook, and Saint Johns College.
- Includes annotations.
- When the map was made: 1879
- Mapmaker or publisher: G.W. Bromley
- Context about the mapmaker: George Washington Bromley was known for producing detailed atlases of urban areas in the United States, particularly New York City and Philadelphia.
- Topics and themes shown on the map: Detailed city infrastructure including buildings, fire hydrants, steam and street railways, original water courses, original farm lines, ward boundaries, water mains, and block dimensions.
- Countries and regions shown on the map: The map focuses on a part of New York City, specifically Ward 24.
- Design or style of the map: Hand-colored lithography, which was common for detailed maps of the period. Annotations and detailed labeling.
- Historical significance or context: The map provides a snapshot of urban development and infrastructure in New York City in the late 19th century. It is valuable for understanding the historical layout and development of Ward 24 and its surrounding areas.
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.