Map of the City of Brooklyn

The ‘Twin City’ of New York, shortly after the American Civil War.

This fascinating and uncommon map of Brooklyn, New York was designed by William G. Bishop and published by A. Brown & Co. in 1869. It was originally designed for inclusion as part of Bishop’s Manual of the Common Council of the City of Brooklyn, issued annually by the city clerk between 1855 and 1888. The image presents Brooklyn just a few years after the conclusion of the American Civil War, when the city (still independent from New York) was one of the largest in the nation and a rapidly growing industrial center.

Various locations of interest are labeled, including military facilities (U.S. Navy Yard, Fort Columbus, Arsenal, and Armory), government buildings (City Hall, Courthouse, etc.), and medical facilities (Lunatic Asylum, Hospital, etc.). School districts are outlined in red color, applied by hand, and wards are individually numbered. Prospect Park and Greenwood Cemetery are also vibrantly colored and feature delicate pictorial elements.