Map of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania - Vintage map, Norman B. Leventhal Collection

America Transformed: The economy of Schuylkill County, located in northeastern Pennsylvania, focused on anthracite coal mining during the 19th century. This county map documents how that activity dominated the landscape. Of the 37 marginal vignettes, 20 illustrate collieries – coal mines and connected buildings. An additional ten depict local iron manufacturers, fueled by the region’s coal. Also evident is the network of railroads and canals that shipped these resources to New York City and Philadelphia. The map identifies landowners’ names including many coal companies, and also displays street plans and directories for 23 towns, detailing retail activities and service industries within each.
Courtesy of Boston Public Library