1946 Map of Orleans

About this map

Nauset Beach Lighthouse stands as a sentinel on the Atlantic coast in this mid-century survey, which reveals the intricate shoreline of the lower Cape. The landscape is defined by its relationship with the water, from the bay-side landings like Campground Landing and Kingsbury Beach to the protected waters of Town Cove and Little Pleasant Bay. The settlement patterns of Orleans, East Orleans, and North Eastham are clearly mapped, showing a network of local roads such as Governor Prence Road and Tonset Road that connect coastal neighborhoods to community centers. Local history is deeply embedded in the map's labels, including Evergreen Cemetery and Orleans Church, alongside landmarks like Eldredge Park and the Nauset Coast Guard Station. The southern portion of the sheet transitions into the wooded landscape of Nickerson State Park, punctuated by freshwater features like Cliff Pond and Higgins Pond.