Published in 2000 using survey data from 1995, the US Geological Survey’s “Jackson” captures one of New Hampshire’s most evocative mountain landscapes at the precise 1:24,000 scale of the classic American topographic quadrangle. Centered on Jackson and its surrounding uplands, the map presents the village not as an isolated settlement, but as part of a larger White Mountain world shaped by steep valleys, forested ridges, fast-running streams, and historic routes through the mountains. Its title is elegantly direct, yet the terrain it describes is richly complex: a meeting place of resort history, wilderness access, and New England geology. Roads, trails, rivers, elevations, and named summits are arranged into a scientific portrait of a landscape long cherished by travelers, hikers, skiers, and map collectors.

The US Geological Survey brought to this map more than a century of institutional cartographic expertise. Founded in 1879, the USGS became the United States’ preeminent authority for measuring, classifying, and representing the nation’s terrain, and its topographic maps remain among the most admired achievements of practical cartography. In “Jackson,” that tradition is visible in the disciplined balance of clarity and detail: contour lines articulate the land’s rise and fall, while careful symbolization distinguishes roads, waterways, forest boundaries, buildings, and trails. The result is a map that is both technical and atmospheric. It does not merely locate Jackson; it explains the physical logic of the place, revealing how settlement, travel, recreation, and conservation are all governed by the surrounding mountains.

The topographic character of the sheet is unmistakably that of the White Mountains, where relief is dramatic and every contour carries meaning. Black Mountain and Wildcat Mountain rise prominently in the surrounding country, their slopes rendered through close, sinuous contouring that conveys the steepness and texture of the terrain. To the north and west, the broader presence of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range region gives the map a sense of alpine proximity, even where the summit itself lies beyond the immediate focus. The Ellis River threads through the landscape as a natural corridor, its course helping define valley floors, settlement patterns, and route alignments. Crystal Lake and Jackson Falls add moments of scenic intimacy amid the larger mountainous setting, anchoring the map in both grandeur and local beauty.

Jackson itself appears within a network of roads, streams, and upland approaches that speak to the town’s role as a gateway to the White Mountain National Forest. Route 16 and Route 302 are especially important, forming part of the historic circulation system through this celebrated region of New Hampshire. These corridors have long connected village life with mountain tourism, ski areas, hiking trailheads, and scenic drives. Trails and pathways visible across the surrounding forests suggest a landscape used not only for passage but for experience: walking, climbing, skiing, and exploration. The inclusion of Wildcat Mountain and Black Mountain evokes the area’s recreational identity, while the nearby protected forest lands emphasize the enduring tension—and harmony—between access, preservation, and the sublime appeal of the northern New England mountains.

As a historical document, the 1995-surveyed “Jackson” offers a valuable snapshot of the region at the close of the twentieth century. It records roads, trails, developed areas, water features, and forest boundaries as they stood before later decades of change, making it a compelling point of comparison for those interested in conservation, recreation, and regional development. The map is especially resonant because Jackson occupies a landscape where human history and natural form are closely intertwined: nineteenth-century tourism, mountain inns, covered bridges, ski culture, forest management, and wilderness advocacy all converge in this part of New Hampshire. With its refined USGS precision and richly contoured mountain terrain, the map transforms a familiar White Mountain destination into a layered record of place, movement, elevation, and memory.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Jackson
• White Mountain National Forest
• Mount Washington
• Black Mountain
• Wildcat Mountain
• Ellis River
• Crystal Lake
• Jackson Falls
• Route 16
• Route 302
• Various trails and pathways in the surrounding forests and mountains

Historical context & cartographic details

• Produced by the US Geological Survey (USGS)
• Created in 1995 and published in 2000
• Scale: 1:24,000
• Historical topographical map of Jackson, New Hampshire, and its surroundings
• Uses 1995 survey data to reflect the terrain and notable features of the area
• Includes landmarks, elevations, and natural features in and around Jackson
• Uses contour lines and shading techniques to clearly depict topographical variation
• Shows hilly and mountainous terrain typical of the White Mountain National Forest region
• Provides insight into geographical and infrastructural changes over time
• Reflects the USGS tradition of rigorous scientific mapping and cartographic precision

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.