Survey and Map of the Catskill and Mountain Turnpike

Item — Case: Flat File Drawer 20

Identifier: MAP 2019.0001

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Six irregular sized map sections in slightly damaged condition and one legal size survey description all formerly bound in a single packet sealed with wax. Items are numbered in sequence they are supposed to be viewed. The Map sections are particularly interesting as they show the homes of property owners along the length of the route and include the names of the home owners.

Dates

1828

Biographical / Historical

Survey map was completed by Jonathan Rowe on behalf of Charles L. Beach showing the route of the Catskill and Mountain Turnpike from Benton's Bridge [Uncle Sam Bridge] in the village of Catskill to the home of the Widow of Gilbert Palen in the hamlet of Palenville. The turnpike road follows essentially the route of modern State Route 23A, and does not include the portion of the Route from Palenville/Kiskatom to the summit of South Mountain.

It is unclear why Charles L. Beach had this survey done, though it is likely he had a share in ownership of the Turnpike road at some time around this period. Beach was deeply invested in transportation and shipping interests during this phase of his career, and would not commence leasing the Catskill Mountain House, his most famous venture, for another eight years after this map was completed. The Catskill and Mountain Turnpike was the primary route of egress through the foothills between the Village of Catskill and the communities beyond the escarpment of the northern Catskill Mountains.