1980s Maps of Essex County, Massachusetts

Explore 21 historic maps of Essex County from the 1980s. These maps offer a rare glimpse into what life looked like during the 1980s — showing old roads, neighborhoods, homes, and landmarks that have changed or disappeared over time.

Whether you're researching your family's past, planning a metal detecting trip, or studying how Essex County's landscape evolved across the 1980s, these high-resolution maps are a powerful tool for exploring the history of this region.

  • Focus on a specific era: All maps on this page are from the 1980s, giving you a focused view of this time period.
  • See what’s changed: Compare century-old streets, trails, and buildings to today's modern landscape using overlays and satellite layers.
  • Research with precision: Use these maps for genealogy, historical research, land use analysis, or educational projects.
  • View, download, or print: Maps are fully viewable online in high resolution, and can be downloaded or printed for your own records.

Start exploring Essex County's history through authentic maps from the 1980s. This is your window into the past.


Essex County, MA maps

(21)
  1. 1984 Map of Lowell
    1984 Map of Lowell
    1984 Lowell
    1984 Print · USGS
    The Merrimack Valley industrial corridor is captured here in the mid-eighties, showing the interconnected growth of Lowell, Nashua, and Lawrence. Genealogists and historians can trace the paths of the Boston and Maine railroad or locate institutional landmarks like Merrimack College and the Fort Devens Military Reservation.

  2. 1984 Map of Gloucester
    1984 Map of Gloucester
    1984 Gloucester
    1984 Print · USGS
    Coastal Massachusetts and the New Hampshire borderlands are shown here in the mid-eighties, from the granite shores of Cape Ann to the Merrimack River. Researchers can trace the legacy of maritime trade and higher education at Salem State College or follow the Boston and Maine rail lines through Ipswich and Beverly.

  3. 1984 Map of Gloucester
    1984 Map of Gloucester
    1984 Gloucester
    1984 Print · USGS
    Gloucester and the rocky Cape Ann shoreline are shown in the mid-eighties as the region’s maritime and residential character was firmly established. Researchers can trace historic family burial sites at West Parish Cem, locate the Hammond Museum, and follow the Boston and Maine rail line into the heart of the city.

  4. 1984 Map of Rockport
    1984 Map of Rockport
    1984 Rockport
    1984 Print · USGS
    Cape Ann's rugged Atlantic coastline and granite quarrying history are on full display in this mid-eighties record. Genealogists and historians can trace the Boston and Maine railroad line through Rockport and locate family plots at Beech Grove Cem or Locust Grove Cem.
    2 unique versions available

  5. 1984 Map of Provincetown, 1986 Print
    1984 Map of Provincetown, 1986 Print
    1984 Provincetown
    1986 Print · USGS
    The Massachusetts coastline and the tip of Cape Cod appear here during the mid-eighties, highlighting the region's dense coastal settlements and maritime defenses. You can locate family landmarks in Marshfield, trace the grounds of the North Truro Air Force Station, and explore the islands of Boston Harbor like Peddocks Island.
    2 unique versions available

  6. 1985 Map of Lynn
    1985 Map of Lynn
    1985 Lynn
    1985 Print · USGS
    The Massachusetts North Shore comes into focus during the mid-eighties, detailing the dense urban fabric and rocky coastlines from Lynn to Marblehead. Researchers can trace neighborhood development near Pine Grove Cem, locate the old Coast Guard Station at Nahant, and follow the B & M rail corridor.
    2 unique versions available

  7. 1985 Map of Exeter
    1985 Map of Exeter
    1985 Exeter
    1985 Print · USGS
    The New Hampshire seacoast in the mid-eighties shows a landscape of colonial roots meeting modern energy infrastructure. Genealogists and historians can trace long-standing family corners and sites like Phillips Exeter Academy or Coffins Mill alongside the emerging Seabrook nuclear facility.

  8. 1985 Map of Newburyport
    1985 Map of Newburyport
    1985 Newburyport
    1985 Print · USGS
    Coastal Massachusetts and the New Hampshire border are captured in the mid-1980s as the Merrimack River communities balanced growth with conservation. Researchers can trace the grounds of Governor Dummer Academy, locate the Newburyport Light, and explore historic burial sites like Belleville Cem.

  9. 1985 Map of Haverhill, 1986 Print
    1985 Map of Haverhill, 1986 Print
    1985 Haverhill
    1986 Print · USGS
    The Merrimack Valley corridor at the New Hampshire border shows a blend of industrial river towns and developing suburbs in the mid-eighties. Genealogists and historians can trace family locations near the Whittier Birthplace, Atkinson Academy, or the many town cemeteries like Linwood Cem.

  10. 1985 Map of Ipswich, 1986 Print
    1985 Map of Ipswich, 1986 Print
    1985 Ipswich
    1986 Print · USGS
    The North Shore of Massachusetts is shown in the mid-eighties as a landscape of ancient coastal towns and protected wetlands. Researchers can trace local heritage at Rowley Burial Ground, explore the grounds of Governor Dummer Academy, or locate the cottages of Asbury Grove.
    3 unique versions available

  11. 1985 Map of Salem, 1986 Print
    1985 Map of Salem, 1986 Print
    1985 Salem
    1986 Print · USGS
    The North Shore coastline in the mid-eighties shows the established urban centers of Salem and Beverly alongside the expanding suburbs of Danvers. Genealogists can locate family sites near Harmony Grove Cemetery or trace landmarks like the Danvers State Hospital and Fort Sewall.
    3 unique versions available

  12. 1985 Map of Boston, 1986 Print
    1985 Map of Boston, 1986 Print
    1985 Boston
    1986 Print · USGS
    The Massachusetts urban core and its expanding suburbs are captured in the mid-eighties, showing the reach of the Mass Turnpike and Route 128. Genealogists and historians can trace the evolution of towns from Lexington to Waltham, locating landmarks like Harvard University and Minute Man National Historical Park.

  13. 1985 Map of Boston North, 1986 Print
    1985 Map of Boston North, 1986 Print
    1985 Boston North
    1986 Print · USGS
    Greater Boston's northern tier is captured during the mid-eighties, showing the dense intersection of historic college campuses and industrial rail corridors. Genealogists and historians can trace suburban development around Holy Cross Cemetery and the academic grounds of Harvard University or Tufts University.
    3 unique versions available

  14. 1987 Map of Exeter
    1987 Map of Exeter
    1987 Exeter
    1987 Print · USGS
    The Rockingham County coast and inland corridors are captured here in the late eighties, featuring the transition from Exeter to the Atlantic shore. Researchers can trace the development of the Seabrook Power Plant or locate local landmarks like Phillips Exeter Academy and Coffins Mill.

  15. 1987 Map of Newburyport
    1987 Map of Newburyport
    1987 Newburyport
    1987 Print · USGS
    Coastal Massachusetts and the New Hampshire border are captured in the late eighties as the Merrimack estuary meets the sea. Genealogists can locate family plots at Sawyer Hill Burying Ground or trace the industrial footprint of the Boston and Maine railroad.
    2 unique versions available

  16. 1987 Map of Lowell
    1987 Map of Lowell
    1987 Lowell
    1987 Print · USGS
    The Merrimack Valley at the end of the twentieth century shows a dense network of textile-era neighborhoods and growing suburbs. Local historians can trace the transition from rail to highway or locate family sites at St Marys Cem and the Academy of Notre Dame.
    2 unique versions available

  17. 1987 Map of Reading
    1987 Map of Reading
    1987 Reading
    1987 Print · USGS
    Reading and the surrounding North Shore suburbs are shown in the late 1980s as major highway networks and residential developments reached their modern form. Genealogists can trace old cemetery sites like the Old Fuller Burying Ground or explore landmarks like Lake Quannapowitt and the State Hospital.
    2 unique versions available

  18. 1987 Map of Lawrence
    1987 Map of Lawrence
    1987 Lawrence
    1987 Print · USGS
    The Merrimack Valley during the late eighties reflects a sophisticated landscape of industrial heritage, prestigious academies, and expanding suburban corridors. Genealogists and local historians can trace family plots in Bellevue Cemetery or explore the planned character of Shawsheen Village and Ballardvale.

  19. 1987 Map of Haverhill
    1987 Map of Haverhill
    1987 Haverhill
    1987 Print · USGS
    The Merrimack River valley and the New Hampshire borderlands are captured here during the late 1980s as suburban growth met historic industrial centers. Genealogists can locate family landmarks like Atkinson Academy, Old Town Cem, and the Atkinson Depot.
    2 unique versions available

  20. 1988 Map of Lowell
    1988 Map of Lowell
    1988 Lowell
    1988 Print · USGS
    The industrial corridor of the Merrimack Valley is captured in the late eighties as it transitioned into a modern technological and residential hub. Genealogists and researchers can trace the urban layouts of Lowell and Nashua alongside landmarks like Massabesic Lake and Miller State Park.
    2 unique versions available

  21. 1989 Map of Boston
    1989 Map of Boston
    1989 Boston
    1989 Print · USGS
    Greater Boston and the central Massachusetts corridor appear here in the late eighties as suburban growth reshaped the region. Genealogists and historians can trace the transit networks between Boston, Worcester, and Quincy, while locating landmarks like Bunker Hill Monument and Wachusett Reservoir.
    2 unique versions available

End of results
Showing maps 1-21 of 21

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