Rare Old Map of the Bronx, NYC by Bromley, 1879: Wards Island, Hell Gate, Spoffords Point, Barrettos Point, East River

Discover the intricate details of New York City's storied past with "Part of ward 23, New York City. (with) Wards Island," a masterful creation by the esteemed cartographer G.W. Bromley, published in 1879. This hand-colored lithographed map offers a fascinating glimpse into the urban fabric of New York City during the late 19th century. It meticulously charts the streets, buildings, and infrastructure of Ward 23, now part of the Bronx, providing an invaluable resource for historians and enthusiasts alike. The map's detailed annotations and vibrant colors bring to life the bustling neighborhoods and landmarks that defined this era of rapid urban development.

One of the most compelling aspects of this map is its depiction of significant neighborhoods such as Spoffords Point and Barrettos Point. These areas, now transformed by modern development, are captured here in their historical context, showcasing original farm lines and water courses. The map's attention to detail extends to the inclusion of fire hydrants, steam and street railways, and water mains, offering a comprehensive view of the city's infrastructure at the time. This level of detail not only highlights the complexity of urban planning in the 19th century but also serves as a testament to Bromley's cartographic prowess.

The map also features notable landmarks that have played a crucial role in the city's history. The depiction of Hell Gate and Little Hell Gate, with their treacherous waters, provides insight into the challenges faced by maritime navigation in the area. The inset map of Wards Island further enriches the historical narrative, illustrating the island's layout and its significance within the larger urban landscape. These elements make the map not just a tool for navigation but a window into the historical and geographical challenges of the time.

Rivers and water bodies are prominently featured, with the map delineating the course of the East River and its interaction with the surrounding land. The detailed representation of original water courses offers a unique perspective on how natural features influenced urban development. This aspect of the map is particularly valuable for understanding the environmental factors that shaped the growth of New York City. The interplay between natural and man-made elements is a recurring theme, highlighting the dynamic relationship between the city's geography and its infrastructure.

In addition to its historical and geographical significance, the map's artistic qualities cannot be overlooked. The hand-colored lithography adds a layer of visual appeal, making it a beautiful piece of art as well as a functional document. The map's design reflects the meticulous craftsmanship of G.W. Bromley, whose work is celebrated for its accuracy and aesthetic quality. Owning this map is not just about possessing a piece of history; it's about appreciating the artistry and dedication that went into creating a document that continues to captivate and inform more than a century after its publication.

Streets and roads on this map

• Barretto Street
• Edgewater Road
• Tiffany Street
• Whittier Street

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset map of Wards Island
• Hell Gate
• Little Hell Gate
• Spoffords Point
• Barrettos Point
• Original water courses
• Original farm lines
• Ward boundaries

Historical and design context

• The map's full name is 'Part of ward 23, New York City. (with) Wards Island.'
• Originally published in 1879 by G.W. Bromley.
• 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.
• The main subject of the map is 'Part of ward 23, New York City. (with) Wards Island.' in the larger region of New York City.
• Includes annotations.
• Provides a snapshot of urban development in New York City in the late 19th century.
• Useful for historical research on urban development and changes in 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.