1903 Map of Boston Bay

About this map

Boston Harbor and its surrounding coastal communities are meticulously detailed in this early twentieth-century survey, showcasing the intricate relationship between the Massachusetts shoreline and the Atlantic Ocean. The map traces a coastline defined by industrial hubs and summer retreats, from Peabody and Lynn in the north down to Cohasset and Scituate in the south. Defensive fortifications and navigational aids are prominent, including Ft. Warren on Georges Island and the famous Boston L.H. at the harbor's entrance. The transit infrastructure of the era is evident through the path of the Boston Revere Beach and Lynn R.R., which served the growing seaside resorts. Inland, the protected landscape of Lynn Woods contrasts with the dense settlement patterns of Winthrop and Hull. This document captures the harbor's islands before modern expansions altered their footprints, including Deer Island and Spectacle Island.