1948 Map of Chester

About this map

The Boston and Albany RR follows the narrow valley of the West Branch Westfield River through the heart of Chester, illustrating the vital rail corridor that shaped these hill towns. This 1948 edition captures a landscape defined by small river-crossing settlements like North Chester and Dayville, and the higher elevation hamlets of Ringville and South Worthington. The map is particularly rich for genealogical research, identifying numerous family-named landmarks and small burial grounds such as the Old Leonard Cem, Wright Cem, and Ireland St Cem. Natural features like Glendale Falls and the surrounding peaks of Gobble Mtn and Abbott Hill emphasize the transition from the river basins to the high ridges of Chesterfield and Worthington. A lone Airway Beacon atop a ridge near Gobble Mtn serves as a reminder of mid-century aviation infrastructure in this upland terrain.