1953 Map of Woods Hole

About this map

Woods Hole serves as the focal point of this coastal survey, where the complex waterways of Great Harbor and Little Harbor meet the currents of Vineyard Sound. The landscape is defined by its glacial heritage, characterized by numerous kettle ponds like Oyster Pond and Salt Pond, and the fragmented shoreline of the Elizabeth Islands extending to the southwest. Transportation and recreation in the mid-20th century are well-documented, showing the route of the New York New Haven and Hartford railroad terminating near the docks of Eel Pond. Inland, the map reveals the established social landscape of Falmouth, featuring the Falmouth Country Club and Woods Hole Golf Club. The intricate detail of the Nonamesset Island coastline, including Hadley Harbor, illustrates the area's maritime importance before modern coastal development altered many of these tidal interfaces.