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1951 Map of Norcross

Name: 1951 Topographic Map of Norcross
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1953
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1953

About this map

The West Branch Penobscot River flows through this Maine wilderness, anchoring a complex network of waterways that defined the regional logging industry in the early 1950s. At The Boom House and the settlement of Norcross, the map illustrates a landscape transitioned from timber operations to seasonal sporting use. Remote outposts like Ambajejus Camps, Buckhorn Camps, and Cedar Lake Camps are scattered among the ridges, accessible by water or the Bangor and Aroostook RR.

Navigation through Pemadumcook Lake and North Twin Lake was critical for both log driving and recreation, as evidenced by landmarks like Stephensons Landing and various spillways. Higher elevations are marked by the Appalachian Trail crossing through Veazie Gore and the prominent Lookout Tower atop Ragged Mountain. This survey documents a specific era in the North Woods where industrial rail sidings like Quakish Siding and Ingalls Siding operated alongside growing interior tourism.