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1944 Map of Grafton

Name: 1944 Topographic Map of Grafton
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1944
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1944

About this map

The Blackstone River serves as the industrial and geographical spine of this 1944 Massachusetts landscape, flowing through a string of mill villages including Fisherville, Saundersville, and Farnumsville. This World War II-era survey by the U.S. Geological Survey reveals the intricate balance between early 20th-century industry and rural New England life. The river's path is marked by infrastructure like the Fisherville Pond and Rockdale Pond, while the surrounding hills are dotted with family-named landmarks such as Brigham Hill, Keith Hill, and George Hill.

Social and public infrastructure of the era is prominent, with the sprawling Grafton State Hospital grounds in the north and the Grafton Airport reflecting mid-century transportation growth. Genealogists will find a wealth of specific local data, from the Harback Sch near Sutton to numerous burial grounds like Armsby Cem, Dodge Cem, and the Catholic St Johns Cem. The landscape is a network of historic thoroughfares like the Hartford Turnpike and Albany Road, connecting the industrial centers to more remote settlements like Northbridge Center and East Sutton.