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2012 Map of Onset

Name: 2012 Topographic Map of Onset
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2012
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2012

About this map

Bird Island Light stands at the entrance to Sippican Harbor, marking a coast defined by intricate necks, coves, and beach-front communities. The maritime character of the area is further emphasized by the Onset Town Wharf and several navigational aids, including the Cleveland Ledge Lighthouse situated offshore. This coastal topography reveals a high density of summer settlements and established neighborhoods like Point Independence and Silver Beach, many of which grew around the natural harbors and rivers like the Weweantic River and Agawam River.

Genealogists and local historians will find value in the detailed plotting of local cemeteries such as Agawam Cem and Long Neck Cem. The landscape shows a mix of recreational and residential development, from the Little Harbor Golf Course on Great Neck to the cluster of beaches including Piney Point Beach and Swifts Beach. The map documents the complex relationship between the land and the Atlantic Ocean, where features like Hog Island Channel and The Anchorage provide clues to historical vessel traffic.