Published in 1934 by the United States Geological Survey, “Upper Marlboro (east half)” presents a finely observed topographical portrait of Bladensburg, Maryland, and its surrounding country at a scale of 1:48,000. Characterized as an “Advance” sheet, the map belongs to a working tradition of federal cartography in which precision, field observation, and public utility were paramount. Its contours, drainage lines, roads, settlements, and green spaces together capture a landscape poised between rural continuity and metropolitan expansion. The title’s reference to Upper Marlboro anchors the sheet within Prince George’s County, yet Bladensburg and nearby Hyattsville emerge as especially compelling places within the mapped terrain, revealing the eastern approaches to Washington, D.C., in the interwar period.

The US Geological Survey brought a distinctive authority to maps of this kind. Founded in the late nineteenth century, the agency became central to the systematic measurement and representation of the American landscape, producing maps that served engineers, planners, geologists, soldiers, motorists, and local residents alike. By the 1930s, USGS topographic sheets had developed a recognizable visual language: disciplined lettering, carefully graded contour intervals, hydrographic detail, and a sober elegance born of scientific purpose. On this map, that style transforms ordinary roads, valleys, streams, and town edges into a richly legible record of place. The result is both practical and evocative, a map designed for use yet now valuable for the historical moment it preserves.

Bladensburg gives the map particular historical resonance. Situated along the Anacostia River, the town is remembered for the Battle of Bladensburg in 1814, a pivotal and disastrous American defeat during the War of 1812 that opened the route to the British burning of Washington. More than a century later, this 1934 map shows Bladensburg not as a battlefield abstraction, but as a living community integrated into a changing regional network of roads, waterways, and neighboring settlements. The Anacostia’s course provides a natural framework for the sheet, while the surrounding hills and lowlands hint at why routes, towns, and military movements developed as they did. Historical memory and everyday geography meet quietly in its lines.

The mapped area also includes Hyattsville and the broader landscape leading toward Upper Marlboro, capturing a region before the full force of later suburban growth reshaped Prince George’s County. Roads are shown threading between settlements, across valleys, and along natural corridors, suggesting patterns of movement that predate the modern highway era. Green spaces and wooded or open areas evoke a landscape still marked by agricultural and semi-rural character, even as urban influence from Washington, D.C., pressed outward. The 1:48,000 scale offers a generous balance between regional overview and local specificity, allowing towns, landforms, and transportation routes to be read in relation to one another rather than as isolated features.

The map’s contour lines are among its most expressive qualities, revealing the subtle topography of hills, stream valleys, and drainage basins around the Anacostia River. These elevation marks give shape to terrain that might otherwise appear unremarkable, making visible the slopes that governed road placement, settlement patterns, and the boundaries of usable land. In the context of 1934, such information was indispensable for public works, planning, resource study, and navigation. Today, the same details offer a striking contrast with the heavily developed landscape that followed. “Upper Marlboro (east half)” is therefore more than a technical document: it is a measured, elegant record of Maryland’s evolving edge, caught at a moment before postwar transformation accelerated.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Bladensburg, Maryland
• Hyattsville, Maryland
• Upper Marlboro, Maryland
• Anacostia River
• Several local roads indicated
• Green spaces possibly annotated as parkland
• Elevation contour lines marking topographic variations
• Hills and valleys indicated through contour lines

Historical context & cartographic details

• Historical 1:48,000 topographical map titled Upper Marlboro (east half).
• Created in 1934.
• Produced by the US Geological Survey (USGS).
• Characterized as an “Advance” map.
• Shows Bladensburg, Maryland, and the surrounding area.
• Bladensburg is historically significant as a site of conflict during the War of 1812.
• The map features contour lines showing elevation changes and topographical variation.
• Its USGS style reflects the accuracy and detail typical of federal topographic mapping from the period.
• The 1:48,000 scale allows for detailed representation of terrain, landforms, vegetation, and elevation.
• Since 1934, the area has undergone significant urban development and demographic change.

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.

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.