Rare Old Map of the Bronx, NYC by Bromley, 1879: South Fordham, Mount Hope, Upper Morrisania, Fordham, Harlem River

Introducing the exquisite "Part of ward 24, New York City," a masterful creation by the renowned cartographer G.W. Bromley in 1879. This hand-colored lithographed map offers a meticulous snapshot of New York City's Ward 24, now part of the Bronx, capturing the essence of urban development during the late 19th century. Bromley's expertise in detailing is evident, as the map showcases not only the layout of streets and buildings but also the intricate network of fire hydrants, steam and street railways, and original water courses. This map is a testament to the vibrant and evolving landscape of New York City, making it a valuable piece for any collector or history enthusiast.

The map prominently features significant neighborhoods such as South Fordham, Mount Hope, Upper Morrisania, and Fordham. These areas, now bustling with life, are depicted in their nascent stages, offering a glimpse into the past. The careful delineation of ward boundaries and original farm lines provides a fascinating insight into the city's expansion and the transformation of rural landscapes into urban hubs. This map is not just a navigational tool but a historical document that tells the story of New York City's growth and development.

One of the notable landmarks on this map is the Harlem River, which forms the northern boundary of Ward 24. The river, a vital waterway for trade and transportation, is depicted in detail, highlighting its significance to the city's economy and infrastructure. The map also includes annotations indicating property boundaries and ownership, offering a deeper understanding of the socio-economic landscape of the time. The presence of water mains and block dimensions further underscores the map's utility for urban planning and development.

Bromley's map is a visual feast, with its hand-colored lithography bringing the streets and neighborhoods to life. The inclusion of steam and street railways reflects the technological advancements of the era and their impact on urban mobility. The detailed representation of fire hydrants and water mains underscores the importance of public utilities in the burgeoning metropolis. This map is a remarkable example of cartographic artistry, combining aesthetic appeal with practical information.

The historical significance of this map cannot be overstated. It provides a detailed snapshot of New York City at a pivotal moment in its history, making it an invaluable resource for historians, urban planners, and collectors. The map's intricate details and annotations offer a wealth of information about the city's infrastructure, property ownership, and urban development. Owning this map is like holding a piece of New York City's history, a tangible connection to the past that continues to shape the present.

Streets and roads on this map

• Aqueduct Ave
• Ashburton Ave
• Bathgate Ave
• Belmont Ave
• Burnside Ave
• Butler St
• Cedar Ave
• Clay Ave
• College Ave
• Croton Ave
• Davidson Ave
• Devoe St
• Echo St
• Elm Pl
• Fordham Landing Rd
• Grand Ave
• Harrison St
• Highbridge Rd
• Jerome Ave
• Kingsbridge Rd
• La Fontaine Ave
• Loring Pl
• Marion Ave
• Morris Ave
• Morton St
• Perry St
• Tremont Ave
• Valentine Ave
• Walton Ave
• Webster Ave

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Neighbourhoods:
• South Fordham
• Mount Hope
• Upper Morrisania
• Fordham
• Landmarks:
• Harlem River
• Other notable features:
• Annotations indicating property boundaries and ownership

Historical and design context

• Hand colored lithographed map
• Shows buildings, fire hydrants, steam and street railways, original water courses, original farm lines, ward boundaries, water mains, block dimensions, etc.
• Created by G.W. Bromley in 1879
• Provides a detailed snapshot of urban development in New York City in the late 19th century
• Useful for historical research on urban planning, architecture, and infrastructure of the period

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 customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my 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 order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

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

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

Almost all of my maps and art prints 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.