{"product_id":"old-map-of-portsmouth-new-hampshire-by-usgs-1952-kittery-piscataqua-river-great-bay","title":"Old Map of Portsmouth, New Hampshire by USGS, 1952 – Kittery, Piscataqua River \u0026 Great Bay","description":"\u003cp\u003ePublished in 1952 from contemporary survey and imprint data, the US Geological Survey’s “Portsmouth” presents a finely observed topographical portrait of New Hampshire’s historic seaport and its surrounding coastal landscape. At a detailed 1:25,000 scale, the map captures Portsmouth at a moment when its colonial street patterns, working waterfront, rail connections, and expanding postwar neighborhoods coexisted with broad tidal waters and rural hinterland. The city appears beside the Piscataqua River, the powerful tidal channel that has long defined its maritime identity and linked it to the Atlantic. Urban shading distinguishes the denser fabric of Portsmouth from the open terrain around Greenland, Newington, and the shores of Great Bay and Little Bay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe US Geological Survey, founded in 1879, brought scientific precision and national ambition to American mapmaking, and this sheet reflects the agency’s mature mid-twentieth-century style. Designed for practical use by engineers, planners, military personnel, and civilians, it combines contour lines, hydrographic detail, road classifications, railways, settlement patterns, and standardized symbols into a clear visual language. The inset legend and symbol key make the map especially legible, translating the landscape into a disciplined cartographic system. Subtle color gradations and contour intervals describe the modest but significant variations of coastal New Hampshire terrain, where low hills, tidal flats, riverbanks, and settled ground meet in a compact and historically important region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePortsmouth itself is the natural focal point: one of New England’s oldest seaports, long associated with shipbuilding, commerce, naval activity, and colonial-era architecture. The map situates the city within a network of waterways that explain its enduring strategic importance. The Piscataqua River forms a sinuous boundary between New Hampshire and Maine, leading the eye toward Kittery and the fortified approaches to the harbor. Fort McClary, shown near this maritime threshold, recalls centuries of coastal defense, from early colonial conflicts through the age of harbor fortifications. The presence of roads and railways underscores Portsmouth’s role not only as a port, but as a regional hub in the increasingly connected landscape of the 1950s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond the urban core, the sheet opens into the estuarine geography of Great Bay and Little Bay, among the defining natural features of the region. These tidal waters, fringed by creeks, marshes, and low-lying shores, create a landscape shaped by the daily pulse of the Atlantic. The map’s contouring reveals how subtly elevation changes in this coastal zone, where even small rises influenced settlement, agriculture, transportation routes, and views across the bays. Greenland and Newington appear within this transitional countryside, poised between rural tradition and the infrastructural expansion that would reshape the region after the Second World War. The area associated today with Pease International Tradeport evokes that postwar transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a historical document, this 1952 “Portsmouth” map records a landscape on the cusp of modern change. Its roads, rail corridors, waterfront districts, residential areas, and open tracts offer a snapshot before later highway expansion, suburban growth, and commercial redevelopment altered the region’s appearance. The cartography preserves relationships that are sometimes obscured today: Portsmouth’s proximity to tidal waters, the strategic logic of Kittery and Fort McClary, and the way settlement followed ridges, river crossings, and navigable channels. Elegant yet rigorously functional, the map embodies the USGS tradition of making geography intelligible. It is both a technical survey and a richly evocative portrait of a storied New England seacoast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCities, towns and places on this map\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePortsmouth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreat Bay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePiscataqua River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreenland\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLittle Bay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePease International Tradeport\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNewington\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKittery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFort McClary\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVarious roads and railways throughout the region\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAreas of commercial and residential development in Portsmouth, denoted by urban shading on the map\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHistorical context \u0026amp; cartographic details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduced by the US Geological Survey.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHistorical 1:25,000 topographical map of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and surrounding areas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreated and imprinted in 1952.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe USGS is a scientific agency of the U.S. federal government known for mapping and geographic data.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe USGS has played a pivotal role in producing topographic maps for military and civilian use since its establishment in 1879.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePortsmouth is a historic seaport known for its colonial history and maritime heritage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures topographic lines and color gradients to indicate elevation and terrain.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes an inset with legends and symbols for navigation and interpretation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDepicts varied terrain through contour lines showing elevations, depressions, hills, and valleys.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReflects land use and infrastructure that may have changed significantly since 1952, especially urban development and transportation networks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLooking for a particular place?\u003c\/strong\u003e Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/it\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eask our workshop to check before you order\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDetailed 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please \u003ca href=\"\/it\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/it\/pages\/map-personalisation\"\u003eSee personalised map examples\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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 \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/it\/collections\/all-old-vintage-antique-maps\"\u003erare old and vintage maps\u003c\/a\u003e to discover another place, period or style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"12x18in (30x45cm) \/ Map","offer_id":59902318281088,"sku":null,"price":41.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x18in (30x45cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":59902318313856,"sku":null,"price":112.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x18in (30x45cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":59902318346624,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Map","offer_id":59902318379392,"sku":null,"price":41.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":59902318412160,"sku":null,"price":112.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":59902318444928,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":59902318477696,"sku":null,"price":78.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":59902318510464,"sku":null,"price":171.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":59902318543232,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":59902318576000,"sku":null,"price":78.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":59902318608768,"sku":null,"price":171.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":59902318641536,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Map","offer_id":59902318674304,"sku":null,"price":88.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":59902318707072,"sku":null,"price":256.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":59902318739840,"sku":null,"price":288.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Map","offer_id":59902318772608,"sku":null,"price":94.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":59902318805376,"sku":null,"price":256.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":59902318838144,"sku":null,"price":288.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Map","offer_id":59902318870912,"sku":null,"price":94.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":59902318903680,"sku":null,"price":256.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":59902318936448,"sku":null,"price":288.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":59902318969216,"sku":null,"price":123.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":59902319001984,"sku":null,"price":353.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":59902319034752,"sku":null,"price":353.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x45in (76x114cm) \/ Map","offer_id":59902319067520,"sku":null,"price":123.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x45in (76x114cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":59902319100288,"sku":null,"price":502.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x45in (76x114cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":59902319133056,"sku":null,"price":502.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Map","offer_id":59902319165824,"sku":null,"price":176.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":59902319198592,"sku":null,"price":818.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":59902319231360,"sku":null,"price":770.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"33x50in (84x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":59902319264128,"sku":null,"price":224.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"33x50in (84x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":59902319296896,"sku":null,"price":936.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"33x50in (84x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":59902319329664,"sku":null,"price":877.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x60in (100x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":59902319362432,"sku":null,"price":326.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x60in (100x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":59902319395200,"sku":null,"price":1498.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x60in (100x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":59902319427968,"sku":null,"price":1391.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"47x70in (120x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":59902319460736,"sku":null,"price":551.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"47x70in (120x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":59902319493504,"sku":null,"price":2006.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"47x70in (120x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":59902319526272,"sku":null,"price":1872.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_b5b25211-caa8-4169-aa04-1884fc5bdc5e.jpg?v=1789566541","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.eu\/it\/products\/old-map-of-portsmouth-new-hampshire-by-usgs-1952-kittery-piscataqua-river-great-bay","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}