1918 Map of Machias

About this map

Machias River and East Machias River converge at the head of a complex coastal network, where the timber and maritime economies of Downeast Maine centered during the early twentieth century. This survey documents the infrastructure of the Maine Central Railroad as it served Machiasport Station and the various coastal landings. The coastal geography is defined by deep incisions like Little Kennebec Bay and Holmes Bay, where isolated communities such as Starboard and Larrabee maintained a tenuous connection to the larger hubs of Machias and East Machias. Notable landmarks of regional safety and defense, including the Cross Island L S S lifesaving station and Fort O'Brien Point, stand at the entrance to Machias Bay. The map also captures smaller social nodes like the Holmes Bay Church and the seasonal character of Sylvan Park.