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1985 Map of Portland

Name: 1985 Topographic Map of Portland
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1986
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1986

About this map

Casco Bay and the busy harbor of Portland dominate this mid-1980s regional perspective, showcasing a landscape where maritime heritage meets modern infrastructure. The urban core, including South Portland and Westbrook, is defined by its strategic position at the mouth of the Fore River, while the surrounding coast is dotted with significant landmarks like Cape Elizabeth, Prouts Neck, and numerous islands such as Chebeague Island and Cousins Island. Inland, the geography is anchored by the massive expanse of Sebago Lake, which serves as a major recreational and hydrologic hub for the region.

Transportation networks are heavily detailed, featuring the Maine Turnpike, Interstate 295, and the routes of the Maine Central RR and Grand Trunk RR. This era of the survey captures the region's mid-century growth before the late-20th-century expansion of suburban corridors. From the industrial waterfront to the established parks like Sebago Lake State Park and Bradbury Mountain State Park, the map provides a comprehensive view of the Maine coast's transition from rural townships to a connected metropolitan area.