Antique Map of Massachusetts with The Bay State, Railroads & Boston Inset, 1888

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This antique map of Massachusetts was published by Rand, McNally & Co. around 1888. It offers a detailed late 19th-century … Read more This antique map of Massachusetts was published by Rand, McNally & Co. around 1888. It offers a detailed late 19th-century view of the Commonwealth, including its counties, towns, railroads, and major transportation networks. The map covers the entire state, with Cape Cod and the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket prominently engraved along the Atlantic coast. Major cities such as Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Lowell are clearly marked, along with smaller towns and villages across the state. Railroads dominate the map, shown in red and blue lines, illustrating Massachusetts’ role as one of the most connected and industrially advanced states of the period. The density of lines around Boston, Worcester, and Springfield highlights the state’s position as a hub of manufacturing, commerce, and higher education in the Gilded Age. A particularly appealing feature is the inset of Boston and its vicinity, showing the city’s street grid, harbor, and surrounding towns in exceptional detail. This inset makes the map especially valuable for collectors of Boston or New England history. The Atlantic coast is engraved with wave patterns, enhancing the decorative appeal. Combined with the precision of Rand McNally’s cartography, this map provides both a geographic record and a piece of visual history.

Condition report: Very good condition with mild age toning. Original center fold as issued. Plate mark visible. Margins clean with only minor handling wear. Strong impression with vibrant outline coloring, particularly in the Boston inset. See less