1939 Map of Worcester South

About this map

Holy Cross College stands at the northern edge of this landscape, overlooking the industrial and residential corridors south of Worcester as they appeared before the mid-century highway expansions. The geography is defined by a dense network of water bodies and early transportation routes, including the Boston and Albany railroad and the New York New Haven and Hartford line. In Auburn, the intersection of Stafford St and rail lines serves as a focal point for local development, while the surrounding area is dotted with numerous burial grounds like Hope Cemetery and the New Swedish Cem. The presence of the Worcester Sewage Disposal Plant and several reservoirs, such as Stoneville Reservoir and Clark Reservoir, highlights the infrastructure required to support the growing regional population. Smaller hamlets like Stoneville, Bramanville, and West Millbury retain their distinct footprints, connected by early thoroughfares like the Central Turnpike.