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1987 Map of Chester

Name: 1987 Topographic Map of Chester
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1987
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1987

About this map

The Middle Branch Westfield River and the main Westfield River channel carve through the central highlands of Hampshire and Hampden Counties, defining the industrial and topographical character of this 1980s landscape. Engineering projects of the mid-20th century are prominent, including the Knightville Dam and the Littleville Dam, which created substantial reservoirs like Knightville Lake and Littleville Lake. These waters replaced older valley floor footprints, though many family burial grounds such as Old Leonard Cem, Bofat Cem, and Norwich Bridge Cem remain as markers of the area's earlier agricultural settlements.

Transportation corridors follow the water, with the Conrail line hugging the river through Chester. Smaller clusters like North Chester, Dayville, and Goss Heights are visible alongside specialized landmarks including the Bisbee Mill and Camp Norwich (YMCA). Large tracts are dedicated to conservation, such as the Hiram H Fox State Wildlife Management Area, reflecting the region's shift toward resource management and recreation by the late 20th century.