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1953 Map of Woods Hole

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Woods Hole
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1954
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1954

About this map

Woods Hole and the surrounding coastline of Falmouth are captured here in the early 1950s, showcasing a landscape defined by its intricate glacial topography and maritime heritage. The New Haven and Hartford RR terminates at the harbor, highlighting the area's importance as a transportation hub for both the Elizabeth Islands and the seasonal visitor economy of the mid-century. Dense residential and commercial development is concentrated around Great Harbor and Eel Pond, while the northern reaches near West Falmouth retain a more open character.

The map details the complex shoreline where Buzzards Bay meets Vineyard Sound through the Woods Hole Passage. Inland, the distribution of freshwater bodies like Deep Pond and Oyster Pond alongside the Falmouth Country Club reflects the transition from traditional maritime industry toward a recreation-focused Cape Cod economy. Cultural landmarks such as Crowell Cem and the Woods Hole Golf Club provide essential points of reference for local historians studying the evolving land use of the Barnstable County coast.