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1942 Map of Chatham

Name: 1942 Topographic Map of Chatham
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1942
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1942

About this map

The elbow of Cape Cod is defined by its intricate network of freshwater ponds and protected harbors, as seen in this 1940 survey. The township of Chatham serves as the hub, surrounded by coastal outposts like North Chatham and West Chatham. This era shows a maritime landscape heavily reliant on coastal safety, with several essential installations including the Chatham Lighthouse, Stage Harbor Lighthouse, and multiple Coast Guard stations.

Inland, the geography is dotted with family-named waters such as Uncle Israels Pond, Emery Pond, and Bearses Pond. Local genealogists will find significant detail in the placement of the Peoples Cem, Baptist Cem, and Union Cem. The shoreline is characterized by shifting sands and points, from the protective barrier of Monomoy Beach to the secluded waters of Pleasant Bay, illustrating the delicate balance of this seafaring community before modern mid-century development altered the town's footprint.