Old Map of Bourne, Massachusetts by USGS, 1920 – Falmouth, Sandwich & Cape Cod Canal

Titled “Falmouth,” this 1920 United States Geological Survey topographical map captures the Bourne–Falmouth region of Massachusetts at a moment when Cape Cod’s modern identity was rapidly taking shape. Published using survey data from 1920, it presents the upper Cape at a scale of 1:62,500, balancing local detail with a broad coastal sweep. Bourne appears as a central populated place, positioned among harbors, coves, rail lines, roads, and the defining waters of Buzzards Bay. The map’s finely drawn contours, shoreline delineation, and systematic symbols reflect the USGS tradition of practical precision, offering a remarkably clear view of settlement, terrain, and maritime geography in the early twentieth century.

The mapmaker, the United States Geological Survey, was by 1920 already one of America’s most authoritative producers of scientific cartography. Its topographic sheets were essential tools for engineers, planners, geologists, landowners, and government agencies, helping to standardize the nation’s geographic knowledge. Here, that institutional clarity is evident in the disciplined treatment of elevation, hydrography, transportation routes, and settlement patterns. The map does not merely locate towns; it organizes an entire coastal landscape into a coherent visual system. Roads and railways connect Bourne, Falmouth, Sandwich, Pocasset, Cataumet, and Monument Beach, revealing the arteries of movement that linked fishing communities, summer colonies, and inland farms to harbors and regional markets.

The coastal character of the sheet is especially compelling. Buzzards Bay dominates the western side of the landscape, its shoreline articulated through inlets, beaches, points, islands, and small harbors. Great Harbor, Little Harbor, Phinney’s Harbor, Red Brook Harbor, and Waquoit Bay appear as part of an intricate maritime environment where land and water interlock. Mashnee Island and the Buzzards Bay shoreline emphasize the area’s sheltered anchorages and navigational complexity. The map’s careful rendering of water bodies, marshy edges, coves, and tidal reaches evokes a region shaped by fishing, boating, coastal trade, and seasonal settlement. Even modest shoreline features gain significance through the precision of the topographic style.

One of the most historically resonant features is the Cape Cod Canal, which transformed the geography of the upper Cape. Completed only a few years before this map’s publication, the canal created a navigable passage between Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay, altering maritime traffic and local development. Its presence on the map marks a decisive engineering intervention in a landscape long defined by peninsular isolation and hazardous offshore routes. Nearby places such as Bournedale, Bourne, and Sandwich gain added importance through their proximity to this new waterway. The surrounding roads and railways suggest how infrastructure was adapting to the canal’s strategic role in commerce, travel, and regional identity.

Beyond its historical infrastructure, “Falmouth” is rich in natural detail. Contour lines reveal the subtle rise and fall of Cape terrain, where low coastal elevations give way to gentle inland undulations. Ponds, streams, and rivers, including Sedgewick Pond and the Eel River, add texture to a landscape shaped by glacial geology and coastal drainage. The juxtaposition of villages, harbors, rail corridors, roads, woodland, and open land offers a snapshot of Cape Cod before later waves of suburban and recreational development. As a record of Bourne and its neighboring communities in 1920, the map preserves not only locations, but patterns of life: movement by rail and road, dependence on water, and the enduring pull of the Cape’s shorelines.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Bourne
• Falmouth
• Sandwich
• Buzzards Bay
• Great Harbor
• Little Harbor
• Phinney's Harbor
• Red Brook Harbor
• Cape Cod Canal
• Monument Beach
• Bournedale
• Mashnee Island
• Pocasset
• Cataumet
• Waquoit Bay
• Sedgewick Pond
• Eel River
• Buzzards Bay Shoreline
• Various shoreline features and coves
• Roads and railways connecting these locations

Historical context & cartographic details

• Historical 1:62,500 topographical map titled Falmouth
• Shows Bourne, Massachusetts and the surrounding coastal area
• Based on survey data conducted in 1920 and carrying a 1920 imprint
• Published by the US Geological Survey, known for reliable geospatial and topographical mapping
• Uses contour lines to show elevation changes and key geographical features
• Depicts water bodies, coastal terrain, landforms, and shoreline detail
• Reflects the cartographic style of early 20th-century USGS topographic maps
• Provides insight into Bourne’s geography, land use, infrastructure, and regional development in 1920
• Features clear markings for landforms and water bodies, supporting historical geographical reference

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.