Rare Old Map of Brooklyn by Rand McNally, 1897: Downtown Brooklyn, Bushwick, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Williamsburg

Immerse yourself in the historical allure of New York City with the 'Rand, McNally & Co's Map of the Main Portion of Brooklyn', a captivating cartographic representation of Brooklyn, as it stood in the year 1897. This meticulously detailed city map is an exquisite artifact that offers a unique glimpse into the urban landscape of Brooklyn, prior to its consolidation with the other boroughs of New York City. The map's coverage extends from Downtown Brooklyn to Prospect Heights, encompassing the bustling neighborhoods of Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Bedford-Stuyvesant. The absence of the Manhattan Bridge, which had not yet been built, is a notable feature, offering a rare view of the city before its iconic skyline was fully formed.

This map serves as a fascinating historical document, charting the evolution of Brooklyn's urban topography. The cartographers of Rand McNally have intricately detailed the street layouts and architectural landmarks of the time, presenting a rich tapestry of Brooklyn's urban life at the turn of the century. Of particular interest is the depiction of Fort Greene Park, then known as Washington Park, before its transformation by the celebrated landscape architects, Olmsted and Vaux. The map also demarcates the northeastern border of Brooklyn with Newtown, a former city that now encompasses many Queens neighborhoods, including present-day Ridgewood.

In addition to its geographical precision, the map offers a wealth of cultural and historical insights. It provides a snapshot of Brooklyn's diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique character and history. Downtown Brooklyn, the city's commercial and financial hub, contrasts sharply with the residential tranquility of Prospect Heights. The vibrant communities of Williamsburg and Bushwick, renowned for their cultural dynamism and artistic spirit, are also vividly portrayed. The map also includes Crown Heights, a neighborhood rich in architectural heritage and cultural diversity.

The 'Rand, McNally & Co's Map of the Main Portion of Brooklyn' is more than just a geographical representation; it is a historical artifact that captures the spirit and character of a city on the cusp of monumental change. It offers a window into the past, inviting you to explore the streets of Brooklyn as they were over a century ago. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of maps, or simply someone with a fondness for New York City, this map is sure to enchant and inspire.

Neighborhoods:

• Downtown Brooklyn
• Bushwick
• Prospect Heights
• Crown Heights
• Williamsburg

• Bedford-Stuyvesant

• Major Streets:
  
• Flatbush Avenue
• Atlantic Avenue
• Myrtle Avenue
• Fulton Street

• Bedford Avenue

• Major Parks:

• Fort Greene Park (then known as Washington Park)

• Prospect Park

• Historic Landmarks:

• Brooklyn City Hall (now Brooklyn Borough Hall)
• Kings County Courthouse
• Brooklyn Bridge
• Brooklyn Navy Yard

• Williamsburg Savings Bank

• Historical Events:

• The depiction of Brooklyn before the construction of the Manhattan Bridge
• The representation of Fort Greene Park before its transformation by Olmsted and Vaux
• The map's publication the year before the consolidation of Brooklyn with the other boroughs of New York City
• The delineation of the border between Brooklyn and Newtown, a former city that now includes many Queens neighborhoods
• The detailed depiction of Brooklyn's urban landscape at the turn of the century

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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is undefined or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.