Aero view of Peekskill, New York 1911. By Fowler & Hughes.
This detailed reproduction bird's-eye view map of Peekskill, New York was published by Hughes & Bailey in 1911. The community of Peekskill, located on Peekskill Bay on the east side of the Hudson River, has been an important industrial town since Colonial days. The modifying of iron ore into agricultural equipment and stove products was the primary activity in Peekskill with several mills situated along the area's many creeks and streams. The Continental Army found the area perfect for their headquarters and moved there in 1776. With its many mills along Peek's Creek supplying the military fort garrisons positioned up and down the passage between Albany and New York City with gunpowder, leather goods, planks and flour, Peekskill was destined to become a major industrial center. At the time of this map's publishing the Binney & Smith Company was a top employer in Peekskill.
This aero-view map from 1911 shows buildings, clearly labeled streets, railroad route and shipping traffic. The State Camp is shown in the distance. Airplanes appear in the sky above Peekskill, with inset photographs or illustrations of:
The Guardian Building
The Elks' Building
Franklin St. School
Oakside School
Methodist Church
Episcopal Church
St. Paul's M. E. Church
Steamer "Hendrick Hudson"
Features this "booster" statement at the bottom of the map:
"PEEKSKILL - The biggest village in America ; population by the census of 1910, 15,250 ; situated on the east shore of the Hudson River, 41 miles from New York, and at the northerly end of the county of Westchester ; four-track rail service via New York Central, and boat connections north and south. Paved streets, trolley roads, electric light and gas, plenty of pure water from Municipal Water Works ; two telephone companies, fine public schools, churches, public library, hospital and good hotels. The environment of Peekskill is enchanting. The scenery is unsurpassed in every direction ; the great New York State Park is across the river, and the Croton water-shed to the east and south. Peekskill is a delightful place to live in."
