Maps of Farms and Lots Embraced within the Limits of Fairmount Park

An early representation of Philadelphia’s iconic Fairmount Park.

Fairmount Park in Philadelphia originally started with the city’s growing need to protect its public water supply. Decorative walkways and a small park around the new waterworks expanded greatly with the acquisition of a nearby estate, dedicated to public use by a local ordinance in 1855. After the Civil War, a handful of separate tracts eventually coalesced into a large park on both sides of the Schuylkill River, overseen by the Fairmount Park Commission (est. 1867).

This detailed map was issued by the group and shows the vast region acquired by the city in 1868 for public recreation (and to protect local water supplies). The original parkland can be seen in the lower right, occupying only a small portion of the green-colored area. Property owners are named and their respective parcels are carefully delineated, with buildings shown individually. Insets on the right show lot details from two land companies and the properties from an earlier acquisition in 1864.

The map is known in at least 3 institutions (Boston Public Library, Athenaeum of Philadelphia, and Library of Philadelphia), each with the same characteristics. An uncolored version has also been found in the Franklin Institute Archives. All are dated variously between 1868 and 1870. The paper, ink, and somewhat blurred image (see lower center) lead me to believe the map was a facsimile issued in the late 19th or early 20th century, probably as part of a governmental report.

Sources: National Geographic: Boston Public Library; Encyclopedia of Philadelphia;