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1975 Map of Petersham

Name: 1975 Topographic Map of Petersham
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

Petersham and its surrounding landscape are captured in this 1975 aerial orthophotograph, showcasing the heavily forested terrain of central Massachusetts. The western portion of the map is dominated by the sprawling waters of the Quabbin Reservoir, a man-made body of water that fundamentally reshaped the geography and local history of Worcester County. The imagery reveals the intricate network of roads connecting small settlements like Bassets Corner to the village center.

Prominent elevations such as Bald Hill, Chimney Hill, and Sherman Hill punctuate the wooded highlands. Unlike traditional topographic maps, this orthophoto provides a direct visual record of land use, from the dense tree cover to the small clearings and the isolated Pond that dot the countryside. Researchers can trace the mid-century footprint of these rural neighborhoods before modern development altered the woodland character.