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1889 Map of Putnam

Name: 1889 Topographic Map of Putnam
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1889
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1889

About this map

Danielsonville and Putnam serve as the primary hubs of this late-19th-century landscape, where the industrial influence of the Quinebaug River and French River is evident in the string of mill villages like North Grosvenor Dale and Attawaugan. The region is defined by a dense network of early post offices and rail stops, reflecting a period of high connectivity before the dominance of the automobile. The Norwich and Worcester Railroad follows the river valleys north, intersecting with the New York and New England Railroad to create vital junctions for local commerce.

Eastern sections of the map crossing the Connecticut Rhode Island Boundary Line into Burrillville and Glocester reveal a more upland, reservoir-heavy terrain. Prominent landmarks such as Jerimoth Hill and Buck Hill overlook a landscape dotted with numerous small ponds and specialized reservoirs like Quaddick Reservoir and Chestnut Hill Reservoir, which were essential for managing water power for the downstream textile and manufacturing works.