Rare Old Map of Newburyport, Massachusetts by USGS, 1944: Merrimack River, Plum Island & Salisbury
Restored in our London workshop from the original map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Full description
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Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.
Restored in London • Printed and framed in the UK
My maps are rare, museum-grade, restored old maps sourced from libraries, auction houses and private collections across the globe. Full description
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If you want to add a gift message, or a finish (jigsaw, aluminium board, etc.) that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
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“Newburyport West,” produced by the United States Geological Survey and dated 1944, presents the lower Merrimack River country in a precise 1:31,680...
Continue reading“Newburyport West,” produced by the United States Geological Survey and dated 1944, presents the lower Merrimack River country in a precise 1:31,680 topographical portrait. Centered on Newburyport, Massachusetts, the map captures a coastal New England landscape at a revealing mid-twentieth-century moment, when old maritime towns, agricultural land, river corridors, and expanding road networks coexisted in close detail. The USGS’s disciplined cartographic language—contour lines, hydrographic forms, road classifications, and carefully placed settlement names—turns the sheet into both a navigational instrument and a historical document. Its view of Newburyport and neighboring communities records the shape of a region defined by water, trade, tidal wetlands, and the inland rise of fields and wooded uplands.
The US Geological Survey, established in 1879, became one of the great scientific mapping institutions of the United States, and this map reflects its mature topographic style. Rather than embellishment, its elegance lies in clarity: elevation is expressed through rhythmic contouring, waterways are cleanly articulated, and human settlement is woven into the natural terrain without overwhelming it. The 1944 date is especially evocative, placing the map in the World War II era, when accurate domestic mapping carried practical importance for infrastructure, planning, and defense. Yet the sheet also preserves older patterns: village roads, farm landscapes, river crossings, and the compact urban form of historic Newburyport, a port city long shaped by shipbuilding, commerce, and Atlantic exchange.
The Merrimack River dominates the geography of the map, flowing eastward toward the Atlantic and shaping the settlement patterns around Newburyport, Salisbury, and West Newbury. Its broad course, tributaries, and adjacent lowlands reveal why this region became both a maritime gateway and a fertile riverine landscape. Smaller waterways such as the Little River and Parker River add intricacy to the terrain, linking inland drainage with coastal marshes and estuarine environments. Lake Attitash appears inland as a quiet counterpoint to the tidal expanses, while the mapping of wetlands and water bodies suggests a landscape of seasonal change, ecological richness, and historical movement. Roads trace the practical connections between town centers, farms, and river crossings.
Newburyport itself is the emotional and historical anchor of the map. Known for its maritime heritage, Federal-era architecture, and commanding position near the mouth of the Merrimack, the city appears here not as an isolated urban place but as part of a broader geographic system. To the south and west lie Newbury and West Newbury, with their agricultural patterns, rural roads, and open spaces; to the north, Salisbury marks the river’s opposite bank and the approach to the coast. Plum Island and the Parker River area evoke the barrier beaches, salt marshes, and wildlife-rich edges that give this part of Massachusetts its distinctive character. The map quietly records the meeting of town, tide, and countryside.
As a historical record, “Newburyport West” offers a compelling view of land use before later suburban expansion and modern highway development transformed parts of the region. Woodsom Farm, surrounding forested areas, local trails, and smaller roadways speak to a landscape still deeply connected to agriculture, woodland, and local movement. The contour lines reveal subtle uplands and valleys rather than dramatic relief, a terrain whose significance lies in its nuanced relationship to river and coast. For collectors of New England history, maritime geography, or USGS cartography, this map is especially engaging: it captures a beloved northeastern corner with scientific restraint and quiet beauty, preserving the topography and settlement fabric of 1944 in remarkable detail.
Cities, towns and places on this map
- Newburyport
- Merrimack River
- Lake Attitash
- Plum Island
- Parker River
- Woodsom Farm
- Newbury
- West Newbury
- Salisbury
- Little River
- Various roads and trails, including major routes and local pathways
- Nearby forested areas and parks
- Surrounding water bodies and wetlands
Historical context & cartographic details
- Produced by the US Geological Survey (USGS)
- Dated 1944
- Historical 1:31,680 topographical map showing Newburyport, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas, using survey data from 1944
- The US Geological Survey was established in 1879 and is known for comprehensive mapping and scientific research in the United States
- Features a traditional topographical style, with contour lines representing elevation changes and distinct color coding indicating different land uses
- Shows varied terrain, including hills, valleys, lakes, rivers, and other water features
- Serves as a historical record of land use, development, terrain, and roadways in the Newburyport area as they appeared in the mid-20th century
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 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.
“Newburyport West,” produced by the United States Geological Survey and dated 1944, presents the lower Merrimack River country in a precise 1:31,680 topographical portrait. Centered on Newburyport, Massachusetts, the map captures a coastal New England landscape at a revealing mid-twentieth-century moment, when old maritime towns, agricultural land, river corridors, and expanding road networks coexisted in close detail. The USGS’s disciplined cartographic language—contour lines, hydrographic forms, road classifications, and carefully placed settlement names—turns the sheet into both a navigational instrument and a historical document. Its view of Newburyport and neighboring communities records the shape of a region defined by water, trade, tidal wetlands, and the inland rise of fields and wooded uplands.
The US Geological Survey, established in 1879, became one of the great scientific mapping institutions of the United States, and this map reflects its mature topographic style. Rather than embellishment, its elegance lies in clarity: elevation is expressed through rhythmic contouring, waterways are cleanly articulated, and human settlement is woven into the natural terrain without overwhelming it. The 1944 date is especially evocative, placing the map in the World War II era, when accurate domestic mapping carried practical importance for infrastructure, planning, and defense. Yet the sheet also preserves older patterns: village roads, farm landscapes, river crossings, and the compact urban form of historic Newburyport, a port city long shaped by shipbuilding, commerce, and Atlantic exchange.
The Merrimack River dominates the geography of the map, flowing eastward toward the Atlantic and shaping the settlement patterns around Newburyport, Salisbury, and West Newbury. Its broad course, tributaries, and adjacent lowlands reveal why this region became both a maritime gateway and a fertile riverine landscape. Smaller waterways such as the Little River and Parker River add intricacy to the terrain, linking inland drainage with coastal marshes and estuarine environments. Lake Attitash appears inland as a quiet counterpoint to the tidal expanses, while the mapping of wetlands and water bodies suggests a landscape of seasonal change, ecological richness, and historical movement. Roads trace the practical connections between town centers, farms, and river crossings.
Newburyport itself is the emotional and historical anchor of the map. Known for its maritime heritage, Federal-era architecture, and commanding position near the mouth of the Merrimack, the city appears here not as an isolated urban place but as part of a broader geographic system. To the south and west lie Newbury and West Newbury, with their agricultural patterns, rural roads, and open spaces; to the north, Salisbury marks the river’s opposite bank and the approach to the coast. Plum Island and the Parker River area evoke the barrier beaches, salt marshes, and wildlife-rich edges that give this part of Massachusetts its distinctive character. The map quietly records the meeting of town, tide, and countryside.
As a historical record, “Newburyport West” offers a compelling view of land use before later suburban expansion and modern highway development transformed parts of the region. Woodsom Farm, surrounding forested areas, local trails, and smaller roadways speak to a landscape still deeply connected to agriculture, woodland, and local movement. The contour lines reveal subtle uplands and valleys rather than dramatic relief, a terrain whose significance lies in its nuanced relationship to river and coast. For collectors of New England history, maritime geography, or USGS cartography, this map is especially engaging: it captures a beloved northeastern corner with scientific restraint and quiet beauty, preserving the topography and settlement fabric of 1944 in remarkable detail.
Cities, towns and places on this map
- Newburyport
- Merrimack River
- Lake Attitash
- Plum Island
- Parker River
- Woodsom Farm
- Newbury
- West Newbury
- Salisbury
- Little River
- Various roads and trails, including major routes and local pathways
- Nearby forested areas and parks
- Surrounding water bodies and wetlands
Historical context & cartographic details
- Produced by the US Geological Survey (USGS)
- Dated 1944
- Historical 1:31,680 topographical map showing Newburyport, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas, using survey data from 1944
- The US Geological Survey was established in 1879 and is known for comprehensive mapping and scientific research in the United States
- Features a traditional topographical style, with contour lines representing elevation changes and distinct color coding indicating different land uses
- Shows varied terrain, including hills, valleys, lakes, rivers, and other water features
- Serves as a historical record of land use, development, terrain, and roadways in the Newburyport area as they appeared in the mid-20th century
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 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.
Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.
Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.
We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.
- We can deliver directly to the recipient
- Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
- Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
- Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
- 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide
If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.
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.
We’ve been restoring and producing maps and art prints since 1984, and we stand behind every piece.
Every order is covered by our 10-year guarantee and damage-free delivery guarantee. If your piece arrives damaged, we’ll replace or remake it free of charge. If anything else isn’t right, contact our workshop team and we’ll put it right promptly.
See our returns and refund policy for full details.
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