Rare Old Map of Falmouth, Massachusetts by USGS, 1941: Cape Cod, Woods Hole & Vineyard Sound
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Scegli due opere idonee e ricevi il 20% di sconto su entrambe. Scegline tre e quella al prezzo più basso è in omaggio, con un risparmio massimo del 33%.
Abbina liberamente mappe standard idonee e stampe d’arte fine art. Non è richiesto alcun codice; l’offerta viene applicata automaticamente al checkout.
Sono incluse le configurazioni standard su ordinazione. Sono esclusi formati su misura, design personalizzati e lavori su commissione.
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Created in 1941 by the United States Geological Survey, “Falmouth” captures the southwestern corner of Cape Cod at a moment when its...
Continua a leggereCreated in 1941 by the United States Geological Survey, “Falmouth” captures the southwestern corner of Cape Cod at a moment when its maritime villages, cranberry lands, ponds, roads, and railways still retained much of their early twentieth-century character. Drawn at a scale of 1:31,680, the map balances scientific exactitude with the quiet elegance of classic USGS topography. Falmouth appears not simply as a town, but as a coastal landscape shaped by glacial terrain, saltwater inlets, and the surrounding sweep of Vineyard Sound, Nantucket Sound, and Buzzards Bay. Its careful contouring, road networks, and hydrographic detail make it a revealing portrait of a community poised between working waterfront, resort destination, and rural Cape Cod settlement.
The US Geological Survey had, by the early 1940s, become the authoritative cartographic voice for American landforms, producing maps that served engineers, planners, scientists, soldiers, and travelers alike. In “Falmouth,” that institutional precision is evident in every contour line and shoreline indentation. The terrain is described with disciplined clarity: low coastal elevations, subtle rises, ponds set into glacial depressions, and the irregular margin where land meets tide. Shaded relief and contours together give the landscape a tactile quality, allowing the viewer to sense the gentle but meaningful variations of Cape Cod topography. Rather than dramatizing the land, the USGS reveals it—measured, organized, and made intelligible.
Water dominates the composition, as it dominates Falmouth itself. Vineyard Sound stretches to the south, Nantucket Sound lies beyond the Cape’s southern shore, and Buzzards Bay frames the western approaches. Inland and nearshore ponds—Great Pond, Little Pond, Green Pond, Bournes Pond, Salt Pond, and Ashumet Pond—form a delicate network of freshwater and brackish basins. These features speak to the glacial origins of the Cape, where retreating ice left kettle ponds, sandy soils, and a low, intricate coastline. Woods Hole, long associated with marine science and ferry connections to the islands, appears at the southwestern tip, anchoring the map in one of New England’s most storied maritime passages.
The human geography is equally compelling. Roads, marked with striking red lines, trace the connections between Falmouth, West Falmouth, Woods Hole, and surrounding villages, while railways recall an era when summer visitors, goods, and local industry moved across the Cape by train as well as by road and sea. Nobska Lighthouse stands near the entrance to Woods Hole, a navigational landmark overseeing the currents between Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. To the north, the Cape Cod Canal signals one of the great engineering interventions in the region’s history, transforming maritime travel by cutting a safer route between Cape Cod Bay and Buzzards Bay.
As a 1941 topographic record, this map offers a fascinating view of Falmouth before the full force of postwar suburbanization and vacation-home development reshaped much of coastal Massachusetts. The pattern of roads, ponds, rail lines, and settlements preserves an older Cape Cod—one of working harbors, open lands, village centers, and shorelines not yet densely built. Its appeal lies in that layered perspective: a scientific document that has become a historical artifact, revealing both natural form and cultural change. For collectors drawn to coastal New England, maritime history, or the refined beauty of USGS cartography, “Falmouth” is a richly evocative depiction of place and time.
Cities, towns and places on this map
- Falmouth
- Vineyard Sound
- Nantucket Sound
- Buzzards Bay
- Great Pond
- Little Pond
- Ashumet Pond
- Salt Pond
- Green Pond
- Woods Hole
- West Falmouth
- Bournes Pond
- Nobska Lighthouse
- Cape Cod Canal
- Various roads indicated by red lines
- Railways indicated on the map
Historical context & cartographic details
- Published by the US Geological Survey (USGS)
- Created in 1941
- Scale: 1:31,680
- The USGS is recognized for producing accurate topographic maps and supporting scientific research and land management across the United States
- Includes detailed contour lines showing elevation
- Shows road networks and shaded relief to illustrate the region’s topography
- Presents a blend of urban and natural landscapes typical of coastal Massachusetts
- Reflects Falmouth’s land use and geography before extensive later development
- Offers historical insight into the area’s transformation over subsequent decades
Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.
Detailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.
Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.
Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
With its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.
Created in 1941 by the United States Geological Survey, “Falmouth” captures the southwestern corner of Cape Cod at a moment when its maritime villages, cranberry lands, ponds, roads, and railways still retained much of their early twentieth-century character. Drawn at a scale of 1:31,680, the map balances scientific exactitude with the quiet elegance of classic USGS topography. Falmouth appears not simply as a town, but as a coastal landscape shaped by glacial terrain, saltwater inlets, and the surrounding sweep of Vineyard Sound, Nantucket Sound, and Buzzards Bay. Its careful contouring, road networks, and hydrographic detail make it a revealing portrait of a community poised between working waterfront, resort destination, and rural Cape Cod settlement.
The US Geological Survey had, by the early 1940s, become the authoritative cartographic voice for American landforms, producing maps that served engineers, planners, scientists, soldiers, and travelers alike. In “Falmouth,” that institutional precision is evident in every contour line and shoreline indentation. The terrain is described with disciplined clarity: low coastal elevations, subtle rises, ponds set into glacial depressions, and the irregular margin where land meets tide. Shaded relief and contours together give the landscape a tactile quality, allowing the viewer to sense the gentle but meaningful variations of Cape Cod topography. Rather than dramatizing the land, the USGS reveals it—measured, organized, and made intelligible.
Water dominates the composition, as it dominates Falmouth itself. Vineyard Sound stretches to the south, Nantucket Sound lies beyond the Cape’s southern shore, and Buzzards Bay frames the western approaches. Inland and nearshore ponds—Great Pond, Little Pond, Green Pond, Bournes Pond, Salt Pond, and Ashumet Pond—form a delicate network of freshwater and brackish basins. These features speak to the glacial origins of the Cape, where retreating ice left kettle ponds, sandy soils, and a low, intricate coastline. Woods Hole, long associated with marine science and ferry connections to the islands, appears at the southwestern tip, anchoring the map in one of New England’s most storied maritime passages.
The human geography is equally compelling. Roads, marked with striking red lines, trace the connections between Falmouth, West Falmouth, Woods Hole, and surrounding villages, while railways recall an era when summer visitors, goods, and local industry moved across the Cape by train as well as by road and sea. Nobska Lighthouse stands near the entrance to Woods Hole, a navigational landmark overseeing the currents between Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. To the north, the Cape Cod Canal signals one of the great engineering interventions in the region’s history, transforming maritime travel by cutting a safer route between Cape Cod Bay and Buzzards Bay.
As a 1941 topographic record, this map offers a fascinating view of Falmouth before the full force of postwar suburbanization and vacation-home development reshaped much of coastal Massachusetts. The pattern of roads, ponds, rail lines, and settlements preserves an older Cape Cod—one of working harbors, open lands, village centers, and shorelines not yet densely built. Its appeal lies in that layered perspective: a scientific document that has become a historical artifact, revealing both natural form and cultural change. For collectors drawn to coastal New England, maritime history, or the refined beauty of USGS cartography, “Falmouth” is a richly evocative depiction of place and time.
Cities, towns and places on this map
- Falmouth
- Vineyard Sound
- Nantucket Sound
- Buzzards Bay
- Great Pond
- Little Pond
- Ashumet Pond
- Salt Pond
- Green Pond
- Woods Hole
- West Falmouth
- Bournes Pond
- Nobska Lighthouse
- Cape Cod Canal
- Various roads indicated by red lines
- Railways indicated on the map
Historical context & cartographic details
- Published by the US Geological Survey (USGS)
- Created in 1941
- Scale: 1:31,680
- The USGS is recognized for producing accurate topographic maps and supporting scientific research and land management across the United States
- Includes detailed contour lines showing elevation
- Shows road networks and shaded relief to illustrate the region’s topography
- Presents a blend of urban and natural landscapes typical of coastal Massachusetts
- Reflects Falmouth’s land use and geography before extensive later development
- Offers historical insight into the area’s transformation over subsequent decades
Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.
Detailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.
Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.
Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
With its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.
Molte delle nostre mappe e stampe d’arte vengono scelte come regali premurosi per case, uffici, studi e luoghi significativi.
Scegli un’opzione incorniciata per il regalo più semplice, pronto da appendere, oppure scegli una stampa non incorniciata se il destinatario preferisce selezionare la propria cornice.
Realizziamo gli ordini localmente in 23 paesi in tutto il mondo, così i regali possono spesso essere prodotti vicino al destinatario. Questo li aiuta ad arrivare più rapidamente, a viaggiare in maggiore sicurezza e a evitare sorprese legate a dazi doganali o di importazione.
- Possiamo consegnare direttamente al destinatario
- I pezzi incorniciati arrivano pronti da appendere
- Le stampe non incorniciate sono accuratamente imballate in un robusto tubo protettivo
- Quasi ogni ordine viene realizzato localmente, per regali più rapidi e sicuri
- Il reso entro 90 giorni dà al destinatario il tempo di decidere
Se non sei sicuro di cosa scegliere, ti invitiamo a contattarci. Possiamo aiutarti a scegliere la mappa, il formato, la finitura o l’opzione di consegna più adatti.
Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.
We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.
Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.
Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.
Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.
If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.
Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.
Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.
Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.
We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.
Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.
Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.
All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.
If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.
Every Unique Maps piece begins with an authentic cartographic source or an original design from our London studio.
For our historic maps, we source rare originals from libraries, archives, auction houses and private collections around the world. We carefully restore each map for print—repairing age-related damage, balancing colour and improving clarity while preserving its original detail, texture and character.
Once restored, the map is prepared for your chosen size and finish. Your piece is then printed and, where selected, framed close to its delivery destination.
Our map prints use acid-free 200gsm archival matte paper and fade-resistant pigment inks, creating a rich, non-glossy finish designed to last. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
Canvas, cotton-rag and other specialist presentations are also available. Learn more about our materials and finishes.
Personalising your map
You can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. For personalised designs, we send a proof before printing and you can request changes before approval.
For more complex bespoke commissions, contact our design team.
Original or Aged
Choose Original for true-to-source colour, or Aged for a warmer, richer antique character created with our specialist ageing process. See examples of our Aged maps.
Restauriamo e produciamo mappe e stampe d’arte dal 1984, e garantiamo personalmente ogni pezzo.
Ogni ordine è coperto dalla nostra garanzia di 10 anni e dalla garanzia di consegna senza danni. Se il vostro pezzo arriva danneggiato, lo sostituiremo o lo rifaremo gratuitamente. Se qualsiasi altro aspetto non fosse conforme, contattate il nostro team di laboratorio e provvederemo tempestivamente a risolvere il problema.
Per tutti i dettagli, consultate la nostra politica su resi e rimborsi.
Oppure cerca qualcosa nel negozio.
