Rare Old Map of the Bronx, NYC by Bromley, 1879: Fordham, Belmont, East Tremont, Bronx River, St. Johns College

"Part of ward 24, New York City," created by G.W. Bromley in 1879, is a captivating glimpse into the historical fabric of New York City. This meticulously hand-colored lithographed map captures the intricate details of Ward 24, now part of the Bronx, showcasing the vibrant neighborhoods, bustling streets, and significant landmarks that defined the area during the late 19th century. The map is not only a visual delight but also a rich historical document, offering insights into the urban development and infrastructure of one of the world's most iconic cities.

The map highlights several prominent neighborhoods, including Fordham, Belmont, and East Tremont. These areas, now well-known for their cultural and historical significance, are depicted with precision, showing the layout of streets, buildings, and public spaces. Fordham, for instance, is home to the esteemed Saint Johns College, a landmark that stands out on the map. The detailed representation of these neighborhoods provides a fascinating look at their early development and the community structures that have evolved over time.

One of the most striking features of this map is its depiction of natural landmarks such as Spuyten Duyvil Creek and Tibbetts Brook. These watercourses, along with the Bronx River, are intricately illustrated, reflecting their importance to the area's geography and history. The map also shows original water courses and farm lines, offering a glimpse into the natural landscape before urbanization transformed it. These elements highlight the interplay between the natural environment and the burgeoning cityscape.

The inclusion of significant infrastructure elements, such as the Southern Railway Co. and various street railways, underscores the rapid industrialization and growth of New York City during this period. The map meticulously details fire hydrants, water mains, and block dimensions, showcasing the city's advanced planning and development efforts. This level of detail not only serves as a valuable resource for historians and urban planners but also enhances the map's aesthetic appeal.

G.W. Bromley, the mapmaker, was renowned for his detailed atlases of urban areas, particularly New York City and Philadelphia. His work is characterized by its accuracy and attention to detail, making his maps highly sought after by collectors and historians alike. This map of Ward 24 is a testament to Bromley's expertise and dedication to cartography, capturing a pivotal moment in New York City's history with remarkable clarity and precision.

Streets and roads on this map

• Aqueduct Ave
• Arthur Ave
• Bathgate Ave
• Bathgate Brothers
• Belmont Ave
• Boulevard
• Brady Ave
• Broadway
• Clinton Ave
• Crotona Ave
• Elm St
• Franklin Ave
• Fulton Ave
• Garden St
• Grand Ave
• Hoffman St
• Hughes Ave
• Jefferson Ave
• Kingsbridge Road
• Lorillard Place
• Marion Ave
• Monroe Ave
• Perry Ave
• Prospect Ave
• Southern Boulevard
• Southern Railway Co.
• St. John's College Ave
• Third Ave
• Union Ave
• Washington Ave

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Saint Johns College
• Fordham
• Belmont
• East Tremont
• Spuyten Duyvil Creek
• Tibbetts Brook
• Bronx River
• Southern Railway Co.
• Various original farm lines and water courses

Historical and design context

• Hand colored lithographed map.
• Maps in the atlas show buildings, fire hydrants, steam and street railways, original water courses, original farm lines, ward boundaries, water mains, block dimensions, etc.
• Includes Spuyten Duyvil, Spuyten Duyvil Creek, Tibbetts Brook, and Saint Johns College.
• Includes annotations.
• When the map was made: 1879
• Mapmaker or publisher: G.W. Bromley
• Context about the mapmaker: George Washington Bromley was known for producing detailed atlases of urban areas in the United States, particularly New York City and Philadelphia.
• Topics and themes shown on the map: Detailed city infrastructure including buildings, fire hydrants, steam and street railways, original water courses, original farm lines, ward boundaries, water mains, and block dimensions.
• Countries and regions shown on the map: The map focuses on a part of New York City, specifically Ward 24.
• Design or style of the map: Hand-colored lithography, which was common for detailed maps of the period. Annotations and detailed labeling.
• Historical significance or context: The map provides a snapshot of urban development and infrastructure in New York City in the late 19th century. It is valuable for understanding the historical layout and development of Ward 24 and its surrounding areas.

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.

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.