Researching Local History with Maps
As a historian, I believe maps are one of the greatest sources of information, capturing a time and place. We use these maps to research history and find buildings, families, farms, or streets. We often compare those historic maps to current maps. Then, we go on a journey to find that actual location today. Once in a while, we take our research and create maps to give perspective. #readytoremember.
Want a Historic Map of one of 5 towns in the Somerset Hills?
Click one of the maps below to find out how to get one.
Mr Local History Google Research Maps
Mr Local History Interactive Google Maps
Digital Maps – New Jersey
 | Princeton University New Jersey Map Collection 1666-1888 also University of Michigan Map Collection See the entire New Jersey Rutgers collection – Click Here |
 | Map Plan of the Operations of General Washington, against the King’s Troops in New Jersey, from the 26th of December 1776 to the 3rd of January 1777 It was drawn by William Faden, a noted British cartographer, and published in London shortly after these events during the American Revolutionary War. |
 | New Jersey – 1872 Single color |
 | New Jersey 1872 topographical map |
 | NEW JERSEY 1873 Color See more from the David Rumsey Map collection (Zoomable Maps) – Click Here |
 | New Jersey 1814 Color Map See the entire New Jersey Rutgers collection – Click Here |
 | Carey’s 1822 Geographical, Historical and Statistical State Map of New Jersey |
 | NEW JERSEY GEOLOGY – 1868 See the entire Rutgers collection – Click Here |
 | The Rochambeau March Map – 1782 See the entire New Jersey Rutgers collection – Click Here The Rochambeau New Jersey Collection – Click Here |
| Morristown 1779 – Robert Erskine, F. R. S., the Surveyor-General of the Continental Army |
 | 1888 – New Jersey Relief Map – The New Jersey Geological Survey “Historical Maps” page: “New Jersey Relief Map, 1888, 1889, 1892” — they note that the maps have been scanned in TIFF format – Various Maps in this collection. – NJ DEP Click Here |
| Map Geeks | Collection of historic digital Maps of New Jersey Jeffery’s 1776 Map of the Provinces of New York and New Jersey with part of Pennsylvania Carey’s 1795 State Map of New Jersey Compiled from the most Authentic Information Arrowsmith’s 1804 State Map of New Jersey Carey’s 1814 State Map of New Jersey Carey’s 1822 Geographical, Historical and Statistical State Map of New Jersey Finley’s 1827 State Map of Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania Tanner’s 1836 State Map of New Jersey Colton’s 1856 State Map of New Jersey Mitchell’s 1880 State, County and Township Maps of New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware |
Digital Paper Maps – Somerset County, New Jersey
 | 1873 – SOMERSET COUNTY FW Beers 1873 – HUNTERDON COUNTY FW Beers |
 | 1850 – SOMERSET COUNTY – – Contributor: Otley, J. W. – Keily, James – Smith, Robert Pearsall – Van Derveer, Lloyd |
 | 1850 – Somerset County – Color – Relief shown by hachures. Plan of Somerville. Includes names of property owners and 7 views. LC Land ownership maps are available also through the Library of Congress website as a raster image, and zooms in very well on the Library of Congress website. |
 | 1850 Map of Somerset County, New Jersey: entirely from original surveys- Published by Lloyd Van Derveer, surveyor, 1850. Zooms in well. Used for Coffee House in Madisonville section of Basking Ridge. |
 | 1766 – Plan of Somerset County in the province of New Jersey: Copied from the original by Lieut. I. Hills, asst. engr. / surveyed by Benjamin Morgan. |
 | 1781 – Somerset County Survey – John Hills (Surveyor) Benjamin Morgan (Draftsman) |
 | 1935 Bridle Path Map of Somerset and Morris Counties |
 | 1940 Picture Map of Somerset County, New Jersey |
John Smith Map Collection
  | John Smith Map Collection (Historic Recreations) List of Available Maps covering areas from 1700-1900, including: Somerset Hills, Bernards Township, Basking Ridge, Liberty Corner, Bedminster, Pluckemin, Bernardsville, including Bernardsville Center, and more. Click Here for Information |
Digital Maps – Basking Ridge/Bernards Township/ Bernardsville
Digital Maps – Bedminster
 | 1873- BEDMINSTER TOWNSHIP |
 | Bedminster Township Landholders, 1766 -1766 map of Somerset County, NJ, by Benjamin Morgan and I. Hills |
New Jersey Foodie History Interactive Maps
We love studying the history of New Jersey food – diners, sandwiches, bars, and more.
 | Mapping New Jersey’s Most Iconic Diners |
 | Jersey Comfort Food – Mapping The Best of the Best! |
 | Finding New Jersey’s Giant Pizzas |
 | Distillers in New Jersey Map – Tell us when a new distillery fires up. |
 | The Only Map of New Jersey Dive Bars |
 | Jersey’s History with Bar Room Shuffleboard |
Additional Map Sites
- LIBRARY OF CONGRESS MAPS
- NJ RAILROAD RETROSPECTIVE
- David Rumsey Map Collection (Zoomable Maps) – Click Here
- MAP GEEKS NEW JERSEY MAPS
- HISTORICAL FOREST MAPS
- HISTORICAL STATE FOREST & STATE PARK MAPS
- UNITED STATES – 1873
- WASHINGTON ROCHAMBEAU MAPS 1781
- RUTGERS UNIVERSITY SOMERSET COUNTY MAPS
Do you have a map you’d like to share?
Let us know.
MLHP Research with Maps
(Typically Google Digital Interactive Maps)
There is a wealth of history to be learned from a map. We have historic maps and interactive maps embedded in many of our stories, and we try to list that research here. If you’re looking for something specific, try our search feature.
Sir Francis Bernard Honored With American Town Names
Views: 5,185 Sir Francis Bernard’s Legacy Carries On as Towns Honor the Royal Governor of New Jersey and Massachusetts In 1758, Francis Bernard, originally from Lincolnshire, England, was appointed Governor… Read More »Sir Francis Bernard Honored With American Town Names
Lord Stirling Deep Dive Series
Views: 2,870 Some called him William, others called him General. Some even called him Lord Stirling. Whatever you called him, William Alexander, aka Lord Stirling, was one of the most… Read More »Lord Stirling Deep Dive Series
Day Trips – Four Historic New Jersey Fall Locations You Must See
Views: 7,849 The 2025 Fall Foliage Map is the ultimate visual planning guide to the annual progression of leaf change. While no tool can be 100% accurate, this tool is designed to… Read More »Day Trips – Four Historic New Jersey Fall Locations…
The History of Burgers and Mapping the Best Burgers in America
Views: 25,641 Start This Journey with 2 minutes of #burgerporn. Enjoy as we did! Who doesn’t love a good burger? Ah, yes, even the statement opens the door for interpretation.… Read More »The History of Burgers and Mapping the Best Burgers…
Bernardsville’s Lost Dayton Home, Orchards and Mount Airy Nursery
Views: 1,910 UPDATE:Another Dayton family discussion came up…. we couldn’t refuse the query. MLH Introduces Ezra Dayton and the Dayton Families The name “Mount Airy” first appears in printed atlases… Read More »Bernardsville’s Lost Dayton Home, Orchards and Mount Airy Nursery
Pocono Pines and Lake Naomi Area – Map Collection Showcases History
Views: 2,153 I’ve been creating a series of memories and researching the history of Lake Naomi, Pocono Pines, and the greater Pocono Mountains area. While some call me a historian,… Read More »Pocono Pines and Lake Naomi Area – Map Collection…
Meet the Historians Series
Views: 2,960 Featured individuals include longtime resident and historian Ruth Thomson (with ties to the Peapack-Gladstone area) and her son, Barry Thomson, along with other local history advocates dedicated to preserving the… Read More »Meet the Historians Series
Garden State’s Top Historic Gardens and Estates
Views: 6,524 April 14th is National Garden Day, so make sure you get out there and enjoy our Garden State’s beauty (and history) While the Mr. Local History Project typically… Read More »Garden State’s Top Historic Gardens and Estates
The New Jersey Historic Wooden Village Keepsake Collection Keeps Expanding
Views: 25,213 The MLH Project is proud to be the exclusive reseller of the New Jersey Historic Wooden Keepsake Collection, created by the world-famous Cat’s Meow Village. Made in the… Read More »The New Jersey Historic Wooden Village Keepsake Collection Keeps…
Col. Samuel Colt Got His Start in Paterson, New Jersey
Views: 7,413 Starting in 1836 in Paterson, New Jersey, Samuel Colt’s revolver is one of the 10 most influential inventions EVER produced. The Colt Paterson revolver was the first practical revolving-cylinder handgun,… Read More »Col. Samuel Colt Got His Start in Paterson, New…
Jersey’s History with Bar Room Shuffleboard
Views: 19,201 Isn’t it interesting how history becomes a part of history? Take, for example, pay phones. When you were using them, you never thought about it, and then they’re… Read More »Jersey’s History with Bar Room Shuffleboard
Retrospective: Building AT&T Headquarters Basking Ridge
Views: 14,613 As with all Mr. Local History retrospectives, we often update the post when we learn stories and are sent photos from our community. We will continue to expand this… Read More »Retrospective: Building AT&T Headquarters Basking Ridge
Best Crumb Cake in New Jersey – Discuss Now
Views: 90,237 Maybe we’re taking this too seriously, but we’ve been searching for bakeries serving New Jersey’s best crumb cake. If you’re not a fan of the cake, you might… Read More »Best Crumb Cake in New Jersey – Discuss Now
New Jersey Hills are Alive with Distilling History
Views: 11,449 Distilling in Central New Jersey New Jersey has a deep history of distilling spirits that goes back to colonial times. The Somerset Hills is an area in central… Read More »New Jersey Hills are Alive with Distilling History
Where is West Millington, Lyons and Madisonville Sections of Bernards Township
Views: 5,132 NOTE: As with all Mr. Local History retrospectives, we often update the post when we learn stories and are sent photos from our community. We will continue to grow… Read More »Where is West Millington, Lyons and Madisonville Sections of…
America 250 Series
Views: 2,740 New Jersey holds a central place in the story of American independence, earning its nickname “The Crossroads of the American Revolution” due to the pivotal events that unfolded… Read More »America 250 Series
Local Cemetery History Research
Views: 889 There is a wealth of history to be learned from a cemetery. We have a rich genealogy embedded in many of our stories, and we strive to describe… Read More »Local Cemetery History Research
Maps That Share Our Research – Mr. Local History Project Collection
Views: 1,903 There is a wealth of history to be learned from a map. We have historic maps and interactive maps embedded in many of our stories, and we try… Read More »Maps That Share Our Research – Mr. Local History…
Franklin Corners and William Childs Williamsburg-esqe Vision
Views: 8,294 Tucked in the northernmost section of Bernards Township, New Jersey, along the Passaic River lies a small historic district. If you drive through it, you’ll notice the area’s… Read More »Franklin Corners and William Childs Williamsburg-esqe Vision
Grand Mansions and Historic Estates Mapped in New Jersey’s Somerset Hills
Views: 38,964 Many people have asked why you post all this history stuff on the area you’re calling the Somerset Hills. Well, call it passion. Call it intrigue. Call it… Read More »Grand Mansions and Historic Estates Mapped in New Jersey’s…
Remembering 5 Historical Sites in Bridgewater, New Jersey
Views: 6,483 Bridgewater is the second largest town by population in Somerset County, with 45,977 residents according the 2020 Census. Its population boomed in the 1970s-1990s, but has been an… Read More »Remembering 5 Historical Sites in Bridgewater, New Jersey
Bernards Township Charter Day Streetfair Memories
Views: 2,285 Bernards Twp. 2025 Charter Day is A MEMORYBut You’re Early for 2026 🙂 Weather Forecast Stop by the Mr. Local History Booth #89 on Henry Street Just outside… Read More »Bernards Township Charter Day Streetfair Memories
History of Housing Developments in Bernards Township
Views: 10,741 Interactive map showcases Bernards Township development history. Source: Mr. Local History Bernards Township has a long history of being a sleepy rural town. Then, the US built the… Read More »History of Housing Developments in Bernards Township
Gotta Love the Irish in Jersey – The History and All the Parades
Views: 1,722 Quick History – Irish Immigration to New Jersey By the mid-19th century, Irish immigration from Ireland to the United States surged, mainly due to the Great Irish Famine… Read More »Gotta Love the Irish in Jersey – The History…
Mr. Local History Knows The Top 20 Daytona 500 Destinations to Hit During Speedweeks
Want to go to the #Daytona500 Speedweeks and feel like you know where to go? Here’s 20 years of experience all in one place where we’ve highlighted the top 15 Daytona spots to hit during Speedweeks. We’ve loaded THE BEST.
There’s a lot of History in These 100+ Jersey Dive Bars
Views: 6,481 The term “dive bar” originated in the United States in the 1880s and was initially used as a derogatory term. It referred to drinking establishments often located in basements or… Read More »There’s a lot of History in These 100+ Jersey…
The Exclusive New Jersey Historic Wooden Village Keepsake Collection
Views: 14,513 The MLH Project is proud to be the exclusive reseller of the New Jersey Historic Wooden Keepsake Collection, created by the world-famous Cat’s Meow Village. Made in the… Read More »The Exclusive New Jersey Historic Wooden Village Keepsake Collection
Finding New Jersey’s Giant Pizzas
Views: 2,853 People keep asking us why a non-profit is dedicated to researching New Jersey history and building food maps. The short answer is that history has what we call… Read More »Finding New Jersey’s Giant Pizzas
VOTE for Jersey’s #1 Pizza Place
Views: 823 Many critics say New Jersey might have the best pizza places in America. Being from New Jersey, we can’t disagree. Why there would be any Dominos, Pizza Huts… Read More »VOTE for Jersey’s #1 Pizza Place
Lost Motorsport Board Tracks Across America – Mapping Them All
Views: 4,045 As a huge motorsports fan, this topic came up with a few of our researchers who can’t let it go! While the Mr. Local History Project normally focuses… Read More »Lost Motorsport Board Tracks Across America – Mapping Them…
1928 – Woodbridge Speedway – World’s Fastest 1/2 Mile Track
Views: 4,131 This is a tale about auto racing legends of the early 1920s, known as daredevils and speed freaks, who traveled to a tiny new track built outside New… Read More »1928 – Woodbridge Speedway – World’s Fastest 1/2 Mile…
Haunted Tales From Central New Jersey #3
Views: 2,320 Believe it or not, the dead are alive in central New Jersey, especially in northern Somerset County. The question is not whether they are real or not, but… Read More »Haunted Tales From Central New Jersey #3
Bernards Township/Bernardsville Historic Wooden Village Keepsake Collectibles
Views: 3,245 Congratulations, Basking Ridge and Bernardsville, on being the foundation for the New Jersey Historical Wooden Village collection, a group of over 40 Jersey collectibles. Each keepsake brings awareness… Read More »Bernards Township/Bernardsville Historic Wooden Village Keepsake Collectibles
IF you build it, they will come. Sorry, we love maps and use them for our research all the time. Could be a cartoon map or a map from 1750, we have an entire map collection cause they tie back to history. Go for it.