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1948 Map of Becket

Name: 1948 Topographic Map of Becket
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1948
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1948

About this map

The West Branch Westfield River carves a deep path through this Berkshire County landscape, where the Boston and Albany RR follows the narrow valley floor. The settlement pattern is defined by the rail line and the historic road network, including the winding Jacobs Ladder Road. Small communities like Bancroft and Middlefield Sta cluster near the water and rails, while upland areas feature specialized sites such as the Mt St Lawrence Noviciate near Becket.

Local history is preserved in names like Johnnycake Hill and Bonny Rigg Corners, reflecting the area's agricultural and industrial roots. The map documents several water bodies, from the prominent Center Pond to the secluded Rudd Pond, and indicates localized industry at the south-side Quarry. Researchers will find significant detail in the network of local lanes like Lovers Lane and Sargent Road that connect these hill-country settlements.