Rare Old Birdseye Map of Newark by Landis, 1916: Manhattan, Newark Harbor, Railways, New York Bay

The "Newark-New Jersey" map, crafted by T.J. Shepherd Landis in 1916, is a stunning bird's-eye-view chromolithograph that captures the essence of Newark during a pivotal time in its history. This perspective map, though not drawn to scale, provides a vibrant and detailed depiction of the city, showcasing its intricate urban layout and the bustling life of early 20th-century Newark. The artistry of Landis brings to life the streets, buildings, and natural features, offering a unique glimpse into the past and the rapid development of this significant American city.

Newark's prominent landmarks are meticulously illustrated, highlighting the city's rich architectural heritage. The map prominently features Branch Brook Park and Weequahic Park, two of the city's largest green spaces, which served as vital recreational areas for residents. The depiction of Newark Harbor and the various bridges connecting the city to its surroundings underscores the importance of waterways and transportation in Newark's growth. These elements not only provide historical context but also emphasize the city's strategic location and its role as a transportation hub.

The extensive railway lines converging in Newark are a testament to the city's industrial prowess and its significance as a transportation nexus. The map vividly illustrates the network of railways that facilitated the movement of goods and people, contributing to Newark's economic boom. This intricate web of railways is a reminder of the city's industrial heritage and its pivotal role in the broader economic landscape of the United States during the early 20th century.

Significant neighborhoods and streets are intricately detailed, offering a snapshot of Newark's urban fabric. From Broad Street to Market Street, the map captures the heart of the city's commercial and social life. The depiction of these thoroughfares, along with notable areas such as Lincoln Park and Washington Street, provides a fascinating insight into the daily life and the vibrant community that characterized Newark at the time. This attention to detail makes the map not only a valuable historical document but also a captivating piece of art.

T.J. Shepherd Landis's map is more than just a geographical representation; it is a historical narrative that encapsulates the spirit of Newark in 1916. The combination of detailed urban planning, significant landmarks, and the bustling industrial activity offers a comprehensive view of the city during a transformative period. This map is a remarkable piece of history, providing both aesthetic pleasure and educational value, making it a prized addition to any collection of historical maps.

Streets and roads on this map

• Avon Ave
• Bergen St
• Bloomfield Ave
• Broad St
• Central Ave
• Chestnut St
• Clinton Ave
• Court St
• Elm St
• Ferry St
• Frelinghuysen Ave
• Front St
• Harrison Ave
• High St
• Jefferson St
• Lafayette St
• Lincoln Park
• Market St
• McWhorter St
• Morris Ave
• Mulberry St
• Orange St
• Park Pl
• Plane St
• South Orange Ave
• Springfield Ave
• Sussex Ave
• University Ave
• Washington St
• William St

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations:
• Waterways: Newark Bay, New York Bay, and rivers.
• Surrounding areas: Depictions of New York City, Brooklyn, and Staten Island.
• Landmarks:
• Parks: Branch Brook Park, Weequahic Park.
• Harbors: Newark Harbor.
• Bridges: Various bridges connecting Newark to surrounding areas.
• Large parks:
• Branch Brook Park
• Weequahic Park
• Other notable features:
• Railways: Extensive railway lines converging in Newark.
• Industrial areas: Indications of industrial zones within the city.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Newark-New Jersey
• Colour: Full colour chromolithograph.
• Scale: Perspective map not drawn to scale.
• View: Bird's-eye-view.
• Date made: 1916
• Mapmaker/Publisher: T.J. Shepherd Landis
• Chromolithography was a popular method for printing maps in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for its vibrant colours.
• Topics and themes:
• Urban layout: Detailed depiction of Newark's streets, buildings, and infrastructure.
• Natural features: Rivers, parks, and surrounding landscapes.
• Transportation: Railways and other transportation routes.
• Countries and regions shown:
• Country: United States
• Region: Newark, New Jersey, and surrounding areas, including parts of New York City and its boroughs.
• Design/Style:
• Type: Pictorial map
• Style: Bird's-eye-view, offering a detailed and artistic depiction of the city from an elevated perspective.
• Historical significance:
• Urban development: Reflects the state of Newark in the early 20th century, a period of significant growth and industrialization.
• Transportation: Highlights the importance of railways and waterways in the city's development.

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.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.