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1936 Map of Woods Hole

Name: 1936 Topographic Map of Woods Hole
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1936
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1936

About this map

Woods Hole serves as the focal point of this coastal survey, highlighting the intricate maritime geography of the Elizabeth Islands and the Falmouth coastline in the mid-1930s. The map traces the rugged interface between Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound, documenting the specific channels like Woods Hole Passage and the protected inlets of Hadley Harbor and Quamquisset Harbor. Large private estates and early 20th-century recreational landmarks are visible, including the Falmouth Country Club and the residential layout of Penzance Pt.

On Naushon Island and neighboring Uncatena Island, the map records numerous family-named landmarks and geographic features like Nonamesset Island and Lackeys Bay. Further north, the settlement of West Falmouth is shown with its cluster of buildings near West Falmouth Harbor, alongside expansive natural features like Great Sippewissett Swamp. This pre-war landscape reflects a coastal economy transitioning toward its modern identity as a scientific and summer retreat.