1943 Map of Hope Valley

About this map

The Wood River flows through a landscape of mill ponds and small rural villages during the early 1940s, connecting the industrial and agricultural life of southern Rhode Island. In Hope Valley and Wyoming, the density of structures along the banks of Locustville Pond and Canob Pond reflects the enduring reliance on water power for local industry. The survey details a highly fragmented landscape of small hills and swamps, where the historic New London Turnpike and Victory Highway intersect older colonial routes like Ten Rod Road. Genealogists will find significant local landmarks such as the Barber Cem, the Old Bates Sch, and the Wood River Ch. The northern portion of the map highlights the Beach Pond Recreation Area and the Fish Hatchery near Arcadia, marking a transition toward conservation and state-managed lands.