Map of Westminster Park of the Thousand Islands, St. Lawrence River, New York, c.1878

Details:
Frank A. Hinds, Engineer, Watertown, N.Y.
Am. Photo Lithographic Co. N.Y. (Osbourne Process) nd, c. 1878
black & white lithograph on thin strong paper
dimensions: 26 ½" x 16 ¾"
condition: excellent as found
Description:
This finely drawn map with pictorial vignettes shows a final plan for the proposed community of Westminster Park in northern New York, on an island in the Thousand Islands area of the St. Lawrence River. This real estate development, a project of the Presbyterian Church originally, was one of many investment opportunities being promoted in northern New York State in the centennial year of the America's founding. Newspaper articles for the region describe this and other real estate developments.
A prospectus for the Westminster Park of the Thousand Islands development was published in 1878 with imagery very similar to this map. Newspaper articles covered the special boat trips that were organized to bring prospective investors, buyers and future vacationers to the island. Ultimately this project was successful. The Westminster Park Association held meetings, kept minutes and maintained historic records of Westminster Park.
For a thorough description of Westminster Park, its history and the surrounding communities, please see Linda Twichell's personal story and detailed history published in Thousand Islands Life magazine, on line, June 13, 2018. A copy of this historic pictorial map is in the collection of the New York Public Library.