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1889 Map of Marthas Vineyard

Name: 1889 Topographic Map of Marthas Vineyard
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1889
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1889

About this map

Cottage City and Edgartown anchor this late-nineteenth-century survey of the island's eastern half, revealing a landscape defined by coastal navigation and seasonal development. The map details the burgeoning resort infrastructure of the era, from the planned streets of Oak Bluffs and Highlands to the harbor activity at Vineyard Haven. Maritime safety is a central theme, with clear markings for West Chop Light, East Chop Light, Edgartown Light, and Cape Poge Light guarding the dangerous shoals of the sound and harbor entrances.

Beyond the primary ports, the interior of Tisbury and Edgartown townships shows a web of early roads connecting rural outposts like North Tisbury and West Tisbury. The southern coast is deeply notched by brackish ponds and coves, such as Tisbury Great Pond and Herring Pond, reflecting a complex estuarine environment before modern alterations. The inclusion of Chappaquiddick Island and its landmarks, including Sampsons Hill and Poucha Pond, provides a complete view of the Vineyard's eastern geography during a period of significant growth.