Loading map...

1969 Map of Petersham

Name: 1969 Topographic Map of Petersham
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1978
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1978

About this map

Petersham and its surrounding highlands in central Massachusetts are defined here by a landscape of dense woods and protected water. This 1960s study captures the eastern edge of the Quabbin Reservoir, illustrating the profound impact of the reservoir on local geography, including the site of Dana Center. Significant tracts of the Harvard Forest and the Federation of Womens Clubs State Forest dominate the western terrain, reflecting a region deeply committed to silviculture and conservation.

Local history is preserved in the numerous small burial grounds and institutional landmarks scattered throughout the town. Features like the Maria Assumpta Academy and the Center Sch anchor the village center, while the outlying areas are marked by genealogical waypoints such as West Street Cem and Nichewaug Cem. The map traces the intricate drainage of the East Branch Swift River and its tributaries, providing a clear record of the area's hydrology before later development altered these rural corridors.