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1953 Map of Onset

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Onset
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1954
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1954

About this map

Buzzards Bay serves as the central focal point for this coastal survey, where the intricate shorelines of Wareham, Bourne, and Falmouth meet. The mid-century landscape is defined by its seasonal and maritime character, featuring numerous established summer colonies and recreational sites such as Silver Beach and Point Independence. The presence of the Sacred Heart Seminary near The Widows Cove and the Beverly Yacht Club along Sippican Harbor highlights the area's established institutional and social geography.

Navigational markers like the Cleveland Ledge Lighthouse and various ledges underscore the importance of the maritime channels. The map captures a transition in the coastal economy, with traditional features like the Agawam Cem and Stones Bog sitting alongside developing residential pockets like Briarwood Beach and Parkwood Beach. The detailed hydrography around Onset Bay and Sippican Neck provides a clear view of the docks, landings, and natural harbors that have long sustained these Buzzards Bay communities.