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1900 Map of Blackstone

Name: 1900 Topographic Map of Blackstone
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1909
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1909

About this map

The Blackstone River serves as the industrial spine of this region, its descent powering a dense network of mill villages at the turn of the century. Settlements like Whitinsville, Linwood, and Farnumsville follow the river's path, illustrating the era's reliance on waterpower and rail transit. The New York New Haven and Hartford R. R. weaves through these valley towns, connecting the heavy manufacturing of Uxbridge and Blackstone to larger markets.

Beyond the valley floors, the landscape rises into significant landmarks such as Purgatory Chasm and Wigwam Hill. The map also captures the interstate character of the area, extending south across the Massachusetts Rhode Island border into Slatersville. Local history enthusiasts can trace the intricate connections between early industrial sites like Ironstone and the family-named landmarks such as Leland Hill or Keith Hill that define the uplands between the Quinsigamond and West River valleys.