Loading map...

1956 Map of Dover West

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Dover West
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1958
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1958

About this map

Durham and the University of New Hampshire serve as the southern anchor of this mid-century landscape, where the academic campus meets the Oyster River and its associated Tidal Flats. Moving north through Madbury and into the fringes of Rochester, the geography is defined by a dense network of family-named landmarks and rural institutions. Small family burial grounds like Budge Cem, James Cem, and Randall Cem are scattered across the terrain, offering significant points of interest for genealogical research.

Industrial and transit infrastructure of the mid-1950s is prominent, including the Spaulding Turnpike shown under construction and the established Boston and Maine Railroad. The map captures a mix of traditional land use and modernizing features, from the Gravel Pits peppered throughout the Mallego Plains to social landmarks like the Drive-in Theater and Central Park. The winding courses of the Cocheco River and Bellamy River connect these varied townships, illustrating the hydraulic character of Strafford County before suburban expansion.