1949 Map of Katahdin

About this map

Baxter State Park and its surrounding townships are shown here as they appeared during the mid-twentieth century, dominated by the massive granite massif of Mount Katahdin. The topography reveals a landscape shaped by glacial activity, from the sheer walls of North Basin and Great Basin to the high plateau of the Table Land. Human activity is concentrated along a network of primitive routes like the Tote Road and celebrated footpaths including the Appalachian Trail, which winds through the western portion of the quadrangle. Early wilderness tourism is evidenced by established outposts such as Katahdin Lake Camps and several rustic campgrounds. The map also preserves the nomenclature of the logging era, with locations like New City on Wassataquoik Stream and various camps such as the Joe Francis Camp situated near the Debsconeag Deadwater, reflecting the working history of these woods before they were fully dedicated to conservation.