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This detailed 1888 map of Brooklyn, New York, was published by Lain & Co., a firm specializing in business directories.

Based on official records and surveys, the map offers an accurate depiction of Brooklyn’s street grid, ward boundaries, transit routes, and infrastructure before the borough’s consolidation into Greater New York in 1888. The late 19th century was a period of rapid urban expansion, industrial development, and population growth, and this map reflects Brooklyn’s transformation into a major metropolitan center.

One of the prominent features of this map is the comprehensive delineation of Brooklyn’s ward boundaries, which are listed with detailed descriptions in the upper-left corner. The map provides precise descriptions of each ward’s borders, using major streets and landmarks to define their extent.  Notable landmarks such as Prospect Park, Green-Wood Cemetery, and Cypress Hills Cemetery are clearly labeled, emphasizing their importance within the urban landscape. In addition, railroad lines and ferry routes are depicted, highlighting Brooklyn’s role as a critical transportation hub in the era before widespread subway expansion.

The verso of the map contains a variety of business advertisements and promotional material related to Brooklyn’s commercial life. Lain & Co. prominently advertises its Brooklyn Business Directory, which classified businesses by industry and provided valuable information for merchants and entrepreneurs. A Brooklyn Street Directory is also listed, offering an alphabetical index of streets, cross streets, and key locations, serving as an essential navigation tool. Several local businesses placed advertisements, including J.B. Hoecker, a practical optician, and T.G. Sellew, a manufacturer of desks and office furniture, reflecting Brooklyn’s diverse commercial activity. Other notable ads feature Murtaugh’s Dumb Waiters and Safety Invalid Elevators, emphasizing the importance of innovation and mechanical advancements in urban living.

Additionally, Lain & Co. promoted its printing and publishing services, including classified business lists, bookbinding, and city directories, reinforcing the significance of printed business directories in the 19th-century economy. The map itself was available for sale at Lain’s Directory Office, with options for a plain sheet (15 cents) or a cased version (25 cents).