Not so old US maps

[Talltim]

I've found various older maps (up to the 20's) but I would like to find a seventies/eighties map of Lawrence, MA. Are there any sites which have such maps along the lines of the UK www.old-maps.Co.uk?

[Adrian Wintle]

Try the USGS map locater and downloader (top left link)

http://store.usgs.gov/b2c_usgs/b2c/start/(xcm=r3standardpitrex_prd)/.do

 

It appears to have downloadable images for various vintages. You want the 7.5 minute maps (1:24000 or 1:25000 depending on vintage).

 

There are also DRG Tiff files for some of MA here http://libremap.org/data/state/massachusetts/drg/ unfortunately the Lawrence map isn't one of them.

 

Note: DRG = digital raster graphics i.e. electronic map files. The US Topo maps are in the public domain.

 

Adrian

[Talltim]

Thanks, I've got a 1966/1979 one from the USGS. I'll keep an eye on the libremaps site to see if they add Lawrence at some point

[shortliner]

Tim, it appears from this http://www.lawrencehistory.org/timeline that there was large-scale urban renewal in the 60's/70's - it may be worth contacting their History Centre

[shortliner]

Tim, a thought suggested the Sanborn Fire insurance maps - This link may suggest another line of inquiry - but I suspect it depends on what you are looking for  http://queencityma.wordpress.com/2009/11/09/maps/   There is also a link to maps of the Pullman plant at Calumet  http://www.pullman-museum.org/maps/1938.html

[CVSNE]

Another possibility is the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) on the LOC website -

http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query

 

Enter "Lawrence, Mass" into the search window and you'll find lots of listings. Looking the images or notes pages will often reveal maps. Most of these surveys date to just prior to the extensive renovation and opening of the textile mill historic district in Lawrence.

 

They may help - and hey, the photos are cool.

Marty

[Talltim]

Not found a map, but did waste a lot of time looking at at pics...