Loading map...

1885 Map of New Bedford

Name: 1885 Topographic Map of New Bedford
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1885
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1885

About this map

The New Bedford Harbor and its surrounding coastal towns are shown here during a period of transition in the late nineteenth century. The dense street grid of New Bedford and neighboring Fairhaven sits at the heart of a region defined by its maritime and industrial connections, with the Old Colony Railroad and its various branches, such as the Fairhaven Branch, facilitating trade and travel. Navigation is guided by several prominent coastal markers, including Clark Point Light, Ned's Point Light, and the offshore Dumpling Rock Light House.

Away from the bustling waterfronts of Mattapoisett Harbor and Sippican Harbor, the landscape is a mosaic of cedar swamps and small settlements. Researchers can trace the layout of early rail stops like Braleys Station and Acushnet Station, or locate rural hamlets such as Rochester and North Dartmouth. The intricate coastline of Sconticut Neck and West Island reveals the topographical detail that defined the maritime character of Bristol County during this era.