Rare Old Map of Harlem, NYC by Bromley, 1879: Mount Morris Park, Harlem River, 1st-7th Avenues

Introducing "Part of Ward 12, New York City," an exquisite historical map crafted by the renowned cartographer G.W. Bromley in 1879. This meticulously detailed map offers a fascinating glimpse into the urban fabric of New York City during the late 19th century. It showcases the intricate grid of streets, avenues, and blocks that define Ward 12, providing a window into the city's past and its architectural evolution. The map's precision and artistry make it a captivating piece for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.

One of the standout features of this map is its depiction of Mount Morris Park, a significant green space that has served as a vital recreational area for residents. The park's inclusion highlights the importance of public spaces in urban planning during this period. Additionally, the map illustrates the Harlem River, a crucial waterway that has played a pivotal role in the city's transportation and economic development. The river's presence underscores the interconnectedness of New York City's natural and built environments.

G.W. Bromley's expertise in cartography is evident in the map's detailed representation of the neighborhood's infrastructure. The map not only delineates major thoroughfares like 1st through 7th Avenues but also meticulously labels smaller streets and blocks, offering a comprehensive view of the area's layout. This level of detail provides valuable insights into the urban planning and development strategies of the time, making it an indispensable resource for historians and urban scholars.

The map also features a sub plan inset, adding another layer of depth to its historical narrative. This inset provides a closer look at specific sections of Ward 12, allowing for a more granular examination of property divisions and land use. The color coding used to differentiate between residential and commercial properties further enhances the map's utility and aesthetic appeal. This thoughtful design element reflects Bromley's commitment to creating maps that are both informative and visually striking.

In addition to its practical applications, "Part of Ward 12, New York City" serves as a testament to the city's rich history and dynamic growth. The map captures a moment in time when New York City was rapidly expanding and transforming into a global metropolis. By owning this map, collectors not only acquire a piece of history but also gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate tapestry of streets, parks, and landmarks that have shaped one of the world's most iconic cities.

Streets and roads on this map

• 1st Avenue
• 2nd Avenue
• 3rd Avenue
• 4th Avenue
• 5th Avenue
• 6th Avenue
• 7th Avenue
• East 121st Street
• East 122nd Street
• East 123rd Street
• East 124th Street
• East 125th Street
• East 126th Street
• East 127th Street
• East 128th Street
• East 129th Street
• East 130th Street
• East 131st Street
• East 132nd Street
• East 133rd Street
• East 134th Street
• East 135th Street
• East 136th Street
• East 137th Street
• East 138th Street
• East 139th Street
• West 121st Street
• West 122nd Street
• West 123rd Street
• West 124th Street

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Sub plan inset located at the top right corner
• Mount Morris Park
• Harlem River

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Part of Ward 12, New York City
• Date created: 1879
• Mapmaker/Publisher: G.W. Bromley
• G.W. Bromley was known for creating detailed atlases and maps, particularly of urban areas in the United States.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Urban planning and development
• Residential and commercial property divisions
• Infrastructure such as streets and public parks
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• United States, specifically New York City
• Design or style of the map:
• The map is designed in a detailed, grid-based format typical of urban planning maps of the late 19th century.
• It uses color coding to differentiate between types of buildings and properties.
• Historical significance:
• The map provides insight into the urban layout and property divisions in New York City during the late 19th century.
• It is a valuable resource for understanding the historical development of Ward 12 and the broader urban landscape of New York City.

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.