The Original Topography of Manhattan Island

Fascinating look at Manhattan with topographical details superimposed over a 19th century plan of the city.

This map shows the entirety of Manhattan Island, though it details survey results only to about 145th street and Sugar Hill. It was issued in a report called “Social Statistics of Cities” written by George E. Waring and published by the Bell Brothers in Washington, D.C. The map cleverly uses the topography of the island overlaid on it’s street grid to explain the history of its development; emphasizing how natural features can affect human settlement.

However, the extension of the island’s waterfront was entirely by human design and is also evident in the underlying topographical detail. Marshes near the tip of the island give the impression of a decidedly less welcome environment today, but the humidity of the low lying area still swamps tourists in the 21st century.