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1919 Map of Narragansett Bay

Name: 1919 Topographic Map of Narragansett Bay
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1921
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1921

About this map

Warwick Light and Prudence I. Light stand as critical maritime markers on this coastal survey, which details the intricate shoreline of Rhode Island's largest estuary. The landscape is defined by its transit-oriented growth, where the New York New Haven and Hartford R.R. and the Sea View Electric R.R. link established settlements like East Greenwich and Wickford. The presence of the Portsmouth Coal Mines and the U.S. Naval Coaling Sta. on the northern end of Aquidneck Island reflects the era's heavy industrial and military reliance on fossil fuels.

From the State Prison in Cranston down to the U.S. Naval Training Sta. at Newport, the map captures a period of intense coastal utilization. Notable landmarks such as Rocky Pt. and the Middletown Sta. illustrate a mix of recreational and logistical hubs. The topographical detail also traces numerous points and necks, such as Rumstick Neck and Potowomut Neck, providing a clear view of the bay's complex geography before modern suburban expansion.