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1939 Map of Providence

Name: 1939 Topographic Map of Providence
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1947
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1947

About this map

Providence is depicted here as a dense industrial and academic hub during the mid-1930s, defined by its complex waterfront and institutional landmarks. The Seekonk River and Providence River serve as the city's maritime arteries, lined with infrastructure like the Wilkes Barre Pier and City Wharf. The map reveals a high concentration of healthcare and social history sites, including the Butler Hospital, Chapin Hospital, and the Dexter Asylum. Academic life is anchored by Brown University, Pembroke College, and Providence College, while the State Capitol stands near the geographic center of the urban grid.

Surrounding the urban core, the landscape transitions into established residential and mill districts such as Olneyville, Manton, and Pawtuxet. These areas are connected by the New York New Haven and Hartford RR and expansive green spaces like the Roger Williams Park and Swan Point Cemetery. Significant water bodies like Mashapaug Pond and the Woonasquatucket River weave through the city's western and southern wards, illustrating the historic reliance on local waterways for both power and recreation.