Rare Old Map of Harlem, NYC by Bromley, 1879: Riverside Park, Convent, Broadway, Railroads, Amsterdam Ave

"Part of Ward 12, New York City," an exquisite map crafted by the esteemed G.W. Bromley in 1879, offers a fascinating glimpse into the urban fabric of late 19th-century New York. This meticulously detailed city street map captures the essence of a rapidly evolving metropolis, showcasing the intricate layout of streets, lots, and buildings that defined Ward 12. The map's hand-drawn elegance and color-coded sections provide a vivid portrayal of the residential, commercial, and institutional areas, making it a captivating artifact for historians and urban enthusiasts alike.

One of the most striking features of this map is the depiction of Riverside Park, a verdant expanse along the Hudson River that served as a vital recreational space for the city's inhabitants. The park's proximity to the bustling streets and railroads highlights the interplay between nature and urban development, a theme that continues to resonate in contemporary city planning. The inclusion of Riverside Park underscores the map's historical significance, offering a window into the leisure activities and public spaces that shaped the lives of New Yorkers in the 19th century.

The map also prominently features the Convent of the Sacred Heart, a landmark institution that played a crucial role in the community. Its presence on the map not only marks it as a significant religious and educational center but also reflects the diverse cultural and social landscape of the time. The detailed representation of the convent and its surroundings provides valuable insights into the architectural and societal influences that were prevalent in Ward 12.

G.W. Bromley's expertise as a mapmaker is evident in the precision and clarity with which he rendered the streets and avenues of Ward 12. Notable thoroughfares such as Broadway, Amsterdam Avenue, and St. Nicholas Avenue are meticulously labeled, offering a comprehensive view of the city's transportation network. The map's detailed street layout serves as a testament to Bromley's dedication to accuracy and his deep understanding of urban geography, making it an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the historical development of New York City.

The historical context of this map extends beyond its physical features, as it encapsulates a pivotal moment in New York City's growth. The late 19th century was a period of significant transformation, marked by rapid industrialization and population expansion. This map not only documents the physical changes that occurred during this time but also provides a narrative of the city's evolution. As such, "Part of Ward 12, New York City" is not merely a map but a historical document that offers a rich tapestry of stories and insights into the urban experience of one of the world's most iconic cities.

Streets and roads on this map

• 10th Ave
• 11th Ave
• 12th Ave
• 7th Ave
• 8th Ave
• 9th Ave
• Amsterdam Ave
• Bloomingdale Rd
• Broadway
• Convent Ave
• Lawrence St
• Manhattan St
• Riverside Ave
• St Nicholas Ave
• W 121st St
• W 122nd St
• W 123rd St
• W 124th St
• W 125th St
• W 126th St
• W 127th St
• W 128th St
• W 129th St
• W 130th St
• W 131st St
• W 132nd St
• W 133rd St
• W 134th St
• W 135th St
• W 136th St

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Convent of the Sacred Heart
• Riverside Park
• Railroad tracks running parallel to Riverside Park

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Part of Ward 12, New York City
• When the map was made: 1879
• Mapmaker or publisher: G.W. Bromley
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: G.W. Bromley was known for creating detailed atlases and maps, particularly of urban areas, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Urban layout: Detailed depiction of streets, lots, and buildings.
• Infrastructure: Railroads, parks, and public buildings.
• Land use: Residential, commercial, and institutional areas.
• Countries and regions shown on the map: New York City, United States
• Context about the design or style of the map: The map features a detailed, hand-drawn style typical of late 19th-century urban maps, with color-coded sections indicating different types of buildings and land use.
• Historical significance or context of the map:
• Urban development: The map provides insight into the urban development and infrastructure of New York City in the late 19th century.
• Historical reference: It serves as a historical reference for understanding the layout and growth of Ward 12 in New York City during this 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 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.