The Reaches of New York City

Vibrant map of a large region around New York City published shortly before the outbreak of World War II by National Geographic.

This tremendous map showing ‘The Reaches of New York City’ practically beckons its audience to explore the region between Philadelphia and Albany. A robust transportation network of automobile highways, railroads, and canals is depicted according to the legend in the lower right, which also identifies the symbols used for towns, churches, battlefields, and places of interest.

Historic dates and important events are noted throughout, with an inset of South Jersey visible in the lower right. The image is surrounded by an eye-catching border comprised of portraits of famous New Yorkers and scenes from around the city, including the Trylon and Perisphere from the 1939 World’s Fair. Contrasting scenes in the upper corners highlight the progress of the era – a theme also present in the world’s fair, whose motto was ‘The World of Tomorrow.’

Published in April 1939 by the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. Designed by C.E. Riddiford under the supervision of Chief Cartographer Albert Bumstead. Printed by A. Hoen & Co. of Baltimore.