1954 Map of Petersham

About this map

Petersham serves as the focal point for this Worcester County survey, which documents the post-war landscape of central Massachusetts. The geography is defined by a dense network of upland ridges including Camels Hump Hill and Chimney Hill, interspersed with swampy lowlands like Roughan Swamp. In the southwestern corner, the rising waters of the Quabbin Reservoir have reshaped the terrain, bordering Pottapaug Hill. The map provides significant genealogical value, recording several burial grounds such as Doubleday Cem and Ledgeville Cem. Educational and institutional history is marked by the Maria Assumpta Academy north of the village center. A sprawling woodland research area, the Harvard Forest, covers much of the central terrain. The road network, including the winding Glen Valley Road and Old Stage Road, connects older crossroads like Bassets Corner and the settlement of Nichewaug.