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1919 Map of Salem

Name: 1919 Topographic Map of Salem
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1921
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1921

About this map

The coastal landscapes and industrial hubs of Essex County appear here in a transition period following World War I, documented by the Corps of Engineers. This tactical survey reveals a densely interconnected region where the Eastern Division Boston and Maine Railroad and various branches like the Essex Branch serve as the primary arteries for trade and travel between historic towns. Major institutions and landmarks anchor the geography, including the grounds of Dummer Academy to the north and the Insane Asylum near Asylum Sta. in the south.

Maritime navigation is clearly marked along the Atlantic coast, featuring Ipswich Light and the complex tidal waters of Plum Island and Castle Neck. Inland, the map captures a mix of small-scale industry and established rural life, noting specific local landmarks such as the Box Factory and the religious meeting grounds at Asbury Grove. From the high points of Heartbreak Hill to the marshes of Wenham Swamp, the sheet provides an intricate view of the North Shore's topography before mid-century suburban expansion changed the character of these townships.