Published in 1950 by the U.S. Geological Survey, “Limerick” presents a finely observed portrait of the Richmond Hill, Georgia area at a scale of 1:62,500. The map captures a moment when this corner of the coastal plain remained defined by forests, waterways, military land, and a modest network of roads and rail lines. Richmond Hill appears as a populated place within a broader landscape whose character is still rural, wooded, and hydrologically intricate. Rather than emphasizing political boundaries alone, the sheet reveals the practical geography of movement, drainage, elevation, and land cover. Its topographic language gives modern viewers a precise mid-century record of a region that would later experience substantial development and suburban growth.

The U.S. Geological Survey brought to this map the disciplined visual grammar that made its quadrangles indispensable to engineers, planners, scientists, soldiers, and travelers. Founded in the late nineteenth century, the USGS became the nation’s principal authority for systematic topographic mapping, translating field surveys into standardized sheets of remarkable clarity. Here, contour lines trace subtle changes in elevation across generally low-relief terrain, while color differentiates woodland, open land, water, and built features. The result is both analytical and elegant: a map designed for practical use, yet rich with the visual texture of the Georgia landscape. Its balanced composition reflects the USGS ideal that accurate mapping could serve public administration, environmental knowledge, and national development.

Richmond Hill anchors the human geography of the sheet, but the surrounding countryside is equally compelling. Roads and railways cut measured paths through forests and across drainage corridors, suggesting the patterns by which timber, agricultural goods, military traffic, and local residents moved through the region. Water bodies, rivers, and smaller streams are carefully delineated, reminding the viewer that this part of coastal Georgia is shaped by moisture, low gradients, and interconnected waterways. The map’s greens emphasize vegetation and land use, evoking a landscape of pine woods, bottomlands, and rural clearings. Even where settlement is sparse, the cartography is full of information, recording the relationship between habitation, transportation, forest cover, and water.

One of the map’s most historically resonant features is the presence of Fort Stewart, marked as a military reservation. Established during the Second World War as Camp Stewart and later developed into one of the major military installations in the southeastern United States, it dramatically influenced the geography and economy of the surrounding counties. On this 1950 sheet, the reservation reflects the postwar landscape of defense infrastructure and federal landholding in coastal Georgia. Its adjacency to Richmond Hill and surrounding rural communities illustrates the ways military expansion reshaped local movement, settlement, and land use. The map therefore documents not only natural topography, but also the strategic geography of the early Cold War South.

As a historical artifact, “Limerick” offers a richly layered view of Richmond Hill and its environs at a transitional moment. Richmond Hill itself had already acquired a distinctive modern identity, associated in the early twentieth century with the influence of Henry Ford and the development of the former Ways Station area. By 1950, however, the map still shows a place embedded in a wider rural matrix rather than absorbed into later metropolitan expansion. Its contouring, color, and careful symbolization make visible a vanished configuration of roads, forests, streams, rail corridors, and military lands. For collectors, it is a refined example of USGS topographic craft and a compelling window into mid-century coastal Georgia.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Richmond Hill, GA
• Fort Stewart Military Reservation
• Various unnamed roads and railways
• Rivers and streams
• Surrounding forests and approximately identified land features

Historical context & cartographic details

• Map title: Limerick
• Produced by the US Geological Survey (USGS)
• Published in 1950
• Scale: 1:62,500
• Historical map derived from survey data
• The USGS is a scientific agency of the U.S. government known for detailed geological and topographical surveys across the United States
• The map uses a vibrant color scheme, with prominent greens indicating vegetation and land use
• Contour lines show elevation changes and help communicate the area’s topography
• The map reflects the geographic and infrastructural layout of the area in 1950, before later urban development and population growth
• Topographic detail includes flat and varied terrain, water features, forests, and contour information

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.