Published in 1936 from an original 1916 survey, the US Geological Survey’s “Casco Bay” captures one of Maine’s most storied coastal landscapes at a moment when modern infrastructure and older maritime patterns still overlapped. Centered on Cape Elizabeth and the approaches to Portland, the map presents a finely observed topographical portrait of headlands, coves, islands, tidal rivers, and settled neighborhoods. Its 1:62,500 scale allows both regional sweep and local specificity: Portland’s West End and Back Cove appear alongside South Portland, Scarborough, the Fore River, and the sinuous Spurwink River. The result is a richly historical view of coastal Maine before later suburban expansion transformed much of the surrounding terrain.

The map reflects the disciplined clarity for which the United States Geological Survey became renowned. Founded in the late nineteenth century, the USGS helped standardize the scientific mapping of the American landscape, producing topographical sheets that served engineers, educators, planners, geologists, and travelers alike. Here, the agency’s cartographic language is precise yet elegant: contour lines describe the modest but rugged elevations of the Maine coast, while shorelines, roads, waterways, and settlements are arranged with understated authority. The design belongs to an era when topographic mapping was both a scientific enterprise and a civic instrument, translating the landscape into a form that could guide development, navigation, and environmental understanding.

Casco Bay itself is the great protagonist of the map, its island-studded waters opening eastward to the Atlantic Ocean. Cushing Island, Great Diamond Island, Little Diamond Island, Peaks Island, Long Island, Jewell Island, and Mackworth Island appear as part of the intricate maritime geography that has long shaped Portland’s identity. These islands served as navigational markers, summer retreats, fishing grounds, military outposts, and working waterfront extensions, each contributing to the bay’s layered human history. Fort Gorges, set dramatically in the harbor, recalls the region’s strategic importance, while the mapped channels and coastlines evoke the commerce, ferries, fishing vessels, and coastal steamers that animated Casco Bay in the early twentieth century.

Cape Elizabeth is rendered with particular historical resonance. Its rugged shore and ocean-facing elevations are associated with some of Maine’s most iconic landmarks, including Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth Light, and the grounds now known as Fort Williams Park. Portland Head Light, guarding the entrance to Portland Harbor, is among the most celebrated lighthouses in the United States, a symbol of New England’s seafaring culture and the hazards of the Atlantic approach. The map’s contours and coastal detail give form to the dramatic meeting of land and sea: rocky promontories, sheltered inlets, and exposed points that have defined navigation, settlement, and local identity for centuries.

As a historical document, “Casco Bay” offers more than geographic information; it preserves a regional snapshot of land use, transportation, settlement density, and environmental form in the decades before postwar growth. Portland’s urban fabric, South Portland’s waterfront, the rural stretches toward Scarborough, and the river corridors of the Fore and Spurwink together reveal a landscape in transition. Roads, bridges such as Jordan’s Bridge, ponds including Harlow Pond, and the delicate outlines of tidal marshes and coves show how communities were organized around both water and terrain. For collectors drawn to Maine, maritime history, or the refined visual language of American topographic mapping, this map is a compelling record of place, change, and coastal character.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Cape Elizabeth
• Portland
• South Portland
• Cushing Island
• Great Diamond Island
• Little Diamond Island
• Peaks Island
• Fort Gorges
• Casco Bay
• Atlantic Ocean
• Mackworth Island
• Jewell Island
• Long Island
• Scarborough
• Spurwink River
• Fore River
• Casco Bay Islands
• Harlow Pond
• Portland Head Light
• Cape Elizabeth Light
• Fort Williams Park
• Jordan's Bridge
• West End
• Back Cove

Historical context & cartographic details

• Produced by the US Geological Survey, this historical 1:62,500 topographical map illustrates coastal Maine and the surrounding area, dated 1916 with a 1936 imprint.
• The original survey was conducted in 1916, with the map published in 1936.
• US Geological Survey is an agency known for geological mapping and data collection.
• USGS has played a crucial role in the development of topographical and geological data in the United States, supporting scientific and educational initiatives.
• The map features detailed contour lines, illustrating topography with varying elevations and reflecting early 20th-century cartographic practices.
• The landscape is characterized by rugged coastlines, elevations depicted through contour lines, and geological features typical of coastal Maine.
• The map provides insight into the geographic and infrastructural development of the region in the early 20th century, reflecting changes in land use, population density, and environmental conditions since its publication.

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.