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1944 Map of Quabbin Reservoir

Name: 1944 Topographic Map of Quabbin Reservoir
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1944
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1944

About this map

Quabbin Reservoir dominates this 1940s landscape, illustrating the profound transformation of the Swift River Valley as it was inundated to provide water for Boston. The map captures the central Massachusetts terrain during a transitional period, where former community centers like North Prescott and parts of New Salem are shown in relation to the rising waters and new shoreline. The Daniel Shays Highway runs along the western edge, providing a modern transport link through the wooded uplands of Shutesbury.

Elevations range from the flooded valley floor to prominent peaks such as Soapstone Hill, Packard Mtn, and Mt Pleasant. Significant natural features like The Gorge and various islands created by the reservoir, including Mount L and Russ Mtn, are meticulously detailed. The boundary lines between Franklin and Worcester counties cut across the new water body, marking the original geography that existed before the valley's inundation.