1913 U.S. Geological Survey / Fuller Geologic Map of Long Island

This is a colorful large format 1913 geological map of Long Island made by the U.S. Geological Survey and the geologist Myron Fuller. It displays geological data, mostly defined by glacial activity in the last ice age, as well as signs of development on the island, whose population was rapidly increasing when this map was made.

A Closer Look

This map covers the entire scope of Long Island and then some, from the shores of New Jersey and Connecticut in the west to Montauk in the east. The legend includes symbols indicating different types of sands, terrain, and rock arranged by geological era. The physical features of the island are mainly defined by the movement and melting of glaciers that occurred quite recently, in geologic terms, about 20,000 years ago. As Myron Fuller was a geologist known for his work locating and assessing water sources, it is likely that the map was primarily intended for identifying water sources for future suburban growth on the island. Until the early 20th century, Long Island was sparsely populated farming country, but the growing population of New York City and the ease of travel to the city using railroads or automobiles led to a population boom.

Aside from geological information, the course of railroads, roads, and waterways are illustrated. Of particular importance is the Long Island Railroad (LIRR), which opened in 1834, building off the foundation of the Brooklyn and Jamaica Railroad (1832), the first railroad on Long Island. The train line would be built out to Greenport, towards top-right, to allow for a ferry connection to Connecticut. Although this connection was soon undercut by a railroad directly to Connecticut, the LIRR continued to function, expand, and modernize, consolidating all the railroad lines on the island in the 1870s. Although essential for transportation between the city and points across Long Island, the LIRR has historically been unprofitable, requiring assistance first from the Pennsylvania Railroad and then from the State of New York and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Publication History and Census

This map was made by the geologist Myron L. Fuller, using engravings prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey and published by Julius Bien, a well-known government and commercial printer based in New York City, as a basis. In 1914, Fuller and the Geological Survey published a book titled The Geology of Long Island, New York (OCLC 699742538), which is the 'Professional Paper no. 82' referred to at top-right. Both the map, when cataloged independently, and the book are held by a small handful of libraries in North America and Europe.