1945 Map of Peru

About this map

The town of Hinsdale and the elevated village of Peru anchor this mid-1940s survey of the Berkshire Highlands. This was an era of transition for these hill towns, where the landscape is defined by the steep topography of Peru Hill, French Hill, and Haskell Hill. The Boston and Albany RR follows the narrow corridor of the Housatonic River through the western portion of the sheet, serving the industrial and passenger needs of Washington Sta. Local history is deeply etched into the terrain through a series of namesake burial grounds, including North Cem, South Cem, and Perry Cem. The area's hydrology is equally prominent, featuring the expansive Ashmere Lake and the dramatic drop of Wahconah Falls in the northwest. Numerous rural routes such as Buttermilk Road and Old Frank Schnoor Road trace the paths of early settlers through these high woods.