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1887 Map of Yarmouth

Name: 1887 Topographic Map of Yarmouth
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1887
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1887

About this map

Old Colony Railroad corridors define the transport network of this mid-Cape landscape, connecting established maritime villages with new inland stations. The coastline from Yarmouth to Chatham is marked by a complex system of tidal inlets and harbors, including Witchmere Harbor and Allens Harbor, which supported the local fishing and trade economies. Coastal navigation is anchored by Bass River Lt. at the mouth of the river separating South Yarmouth and West Dennis.

Glacial topography is evident in the dense concentration of kettle ponds like Hinckleys Pond or Pleasant Lake and Long Pond. Prominent landmarks such as Scargo Hill and German's Hill provide elevation above the surrounding lowlands. The survey documents the transition of the region's economy, showing the Cape Cod Branch rail lines reaching into maritime centers like Harwich Port and Dennis Port, while inland areas remain dominated by numerous named water bodies and smaller settlements.