Rare Old Map of New York City's Ward 18 by Bromley, 1879: Madison Square, Gramercy Park, Stuyvesant Square, Union Square, Tammany Hall

This meticulously detailed map, hand colored and lithographed, was published by G.W. Bromley in 1879, providing a historic snapshot of New York City's Ward 18. At that time, the map would have been an essential tool for city officials, residents, and businesses alike, offering insights into the urban landscape, from building footprints to the locations of fire hydrants and water mains. Its depiction of streets, railways, and public squares not only reflects the physical space but also the vibrancy of 19th-century city life in New York.

The map prominently features Madison Square, Gramercy Park, Stuyvesant Square, Union Square, and the notorious Tammany Hall, each a landmark with its own storied past. Madison Square, for example, was an epicenter of social life, while Union Square served as a gathering place for public demonstrations. Gramercy Park, with its private fenced garden, exemplifies the city's exclusive enclaves. Stuyvesant Square speaks to the city's Dutch colonial roots, and Tammany Hall to its political intrigue.

The artistry of the map is evident in its hand coloring, which differentiates blocks and landmarks, and in its detailed annotations that reveal the city's infrastructure, such as steam and street railways and original farm lines. This attention to detail extends to the delineation of ward boundaries and block dimensions, making the map not just a piece of art but a practical reference for understanding the city's development.

While the map is a treasure trove of historical information, it serves as a window into a bygone era and may not accurately reflect modern New York City. Some places may not appear, and others may have changed names or no longer exist. Therefore, it is a collector's item that captures the essence of New York City in 1879 and should be appreciated for its historical value rather than its navigational utility.

In owning this map, one holds a piece of New York's past, a testament to the city's evolution, and a rare artifact that offers endless exploration for the curious mind. It’s an invaluable resource for historians, cartographers, and anyone with a love for New York City’s rich tapestry.

Please note: This is an old map, and not every modern place is shown, or may be on the map under a different name.

Neighborhoods or Regions Shown:

• Madison Square
• Gramercy Park
• Stuyvesant Square
• Union Square
• Area surrounding Tammany Hall

Streets and Avenues:

• W 23rd St
• E 23rd St
• W 22nd St
• E 22nd St
• W 21st St
• E 21st St
• W 20th St
• E 20th St
• W 19th St
• E 19th St
• W 18th St
• E 18th St
• W 17th St
• E 17th St
• W 16th St
• E 16th St
• W 15th St
• E 15th St
• Broadway
• 4th Ave
• 5th Ave
• 6th Ave
• Lexington Ave
• Irving Pl
• 3rd Ave

Landmarks and Historic Sites:

• Madison Square
• Gramercy Park
• Stuyvesant Square
• Union Square
• Tammany Hall

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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.