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1972 Map of Cuttyhunk

Name: 1972 Topographic Map of Cuttyhunk
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1984
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1984

About this map

Elizabeth Islands separate the waters of Buzzards Bay from Vineyard Sound, centered on the small village of Cuttyhunk. This maritime landscape is defined by the narrow Canapitsit Channel and the larger Quicks Hole passage, which dictate the movement of vessels between the sounds. On Cuttyhunk Island, the concentrated settlement near the Cuttyhunk Pond and the presence of a Cem and Lighthouse at Gosnold reflect the deep-rooted isolation and self-sufficiency of this island community.

Further east, Nashawena Island remains largely undeveloped, its topography dominated by Saddleback Hill and several interior water bodies like Middle Pond. The map captures a moment when these islands remained largely dedicated to traditional coastal life, with trails and small landmarks like Water Tanks marking the few human interventions on the land. Smaller landforms such as Penikese Island and Gull Island dot the surrounding waters, highlighting the complex archipelago geography.