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1952 Map of Quabbin Reservoir

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Quabbin Reservoir
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1953
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1953

About this map

Quabbin Reservoir dominates this 1952 topographic study, illustrating the landscape of Franklin and Worcester counties following the creation of the massive impoundment. The map documents a geography of high ridges and isolated islands, where former hilltops such as Mount L and Russ Mtn now stand surrounded by water. The Daniel Shays Highway runs along the western edge, providing a transportation corridor past established points like New Salem and Cooleyville.

Tracing the peninsula between the reservoir's branches reveals the remains of settlements and terrain features like North Prescott and Prescott Hill. The presence of the Baffle Dam and the distinct water boundaries against the slopes of Soapstone Hill and Packard Mtn provide essential context for researchers studying the mid-century state of the reservoir system and the modified local road networks. This revision reflects the transition from early mapping to the post-war topography of the Swift River Valley.