Volyn Governorate of the 19th century Russian Empire covered a large area of land, about 16,216 sq miles/42,000 sq kilometers. While many of the Low German Mennonite colonies were concentrated near Ostrog, others were not. It is impossible to find a single map that shows them all while covering such a wide area.
Using maps from the c1910 3rd Military Mapping Survey of Austria-Hungary, I have put together 2 composite maps of the areas of Volyn Governorate which included Low German Mennonite Colonies. The 2 composite maps are entitled VOLYN NORTH and VOLYN SOUTH. These maps do the best job of illustrating the locations of the colonies. Links to the original maps can be found here: http://lazarus.elte.hu/hun/digkonyv/topo/3felmeres.htm, while a link to a good explanation of this map series can be found here: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:3rd_Military_Mapping_Survey_of_Austria-Hungary
This is a very detailed series of maps that label most German/Mennonites colonies as “Kol”. However, not every colony is marked since some were established after this surveying project was begun. Also, the spellings of villages, cities, and towns vary from this listing. These 2 composite maps cover Volyn Governorate in this way:
On the maps, Low German Mennonite colonies are circled in red. The intention of these maps is to show the Low German colonies, not the Swiss, however, Kutusowka and Neumanovka are included, both circled yellow. 19th century Uyezd capitals are circled blue in order to help with orientation. Berdichev is circled purple since after 1846 it was located in Podol Governorate and not Volyn.
Not shown:
- Novomalin-walde; this colony was located immediately north from Antonowka across the Viliya River
- Ollika; we do not know the location of Ollika. There are numerous villages with similar names. It could very well be the Olyka which is located midway between Rivne and Lutsk.
- Ostrowa is probably synonymous with Józefin
- Wolla is likely synonymous with either Sofjówka(II) or Horodyszcze
- Rosentheim was in the neighborhood of Deutsch-Michalin
Note: Martyni is not circled on the Volyn South map below. It is located between Antonowka and Jadwanin.
