{"product_id":"old-map-of-annapolis-maryland-by-usgs-1944-chesapeake-bay-naval-academy-south-river","title":"Old Map of Annapolis, Maryland by USGS, 1944 – Chesapeake Bay, Naval Academy \u0026 South River","description":"\u003cp\u003ePublished in 1944 by the United States Geological Survey, “Annapolis” presents Maryland’s capital and its Chesapeake Bay surroundings at a detailed 1:31,680 scale. It captures the city at a particularly resonant moment in American history, with the United States Naval Academy occupying a prominent place in the landscape during the final years of the Second World War. The map’s measured topographical language—contours, roads, shorelines, place names, and shaded wooded areas—reveals Annapolis not only as a seat of government and maritime culture, but as a strategic Chesapeake community shaped by water, defense, and regional movement. Its clean land-and-water contrast gives immediate clarity to the complicated meeting of peninsulas, creeks, rivers, and settlements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe US Geological Survey brought to this map the disciplined precision for which its topographical sheets are celebrated. Founded to study the nation’s landscapes, resources, and natural hazards, the USGS developed a cartographic style that balanced scientific rigor with practical legibility. Here, the methodical grid and carefully differentiated colors guide the eye across a varied terrain of urban blocks, rural roads, woods, tidal inlets, and open water. The result is a map that is both utilitarian and elegant: an official survey document with the quiet beauty of exact observation. Every contour and shoreline speaks to the agency’s larger mission of rendering the American landscape intelligible, measurable, and navigable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnnapolis itself anchors the map, its historic core set between the Severn River and Chesapeake Bay, with Eastport and Bay Ridge emphasizing the city’s intimate relationship with the water. The Naval Academy area is especially evocative, linking the map to the long maritime and military identity of the city. Across the surrounding region, communities such as Arnold, Edgewater, Broadneck, and Severna Park appear within a landscape still strongly defined by woods, farms, creeks, and riverfront roads. The map allows the viewer to read mid-century Annapolis before later suburban growth fully transformed the edges of the city, making it a valuable snapshot of urban development in progress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surrounding waterways are among the map’s most compelling features. Chesapeake Bay forms the great eastern presence, while the South River, Magothy River, and West River carve deeply into the land, creating the peninsulas and sheltered shores that have long shaped settlement in Anne Arundel County. These tidal rivers were not merely scenic features; they were routes of commerce, recreation, fishing, and regional identity. The map’s careful treatment of shorelines, coves, and river bends conveys the ecological complexity of the Chesapeake watershed. Wooded areas shown in green shading suggest a landscape where forest, marsh, and water still held significant influence over patterns of habitation and movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a mid-20th-century document, this 1944 Annapolis map invites comparison with the modern region, revealing changes in urbanization, transportation, and environmental pressure around the Chesapeake. District No. 1, District No. 2, and District No. 3 situate the city within a broader civic geography, while the roads connecting Annapolis to Edgewater, Arnold, Severna Park, and other communities trace the framework of a growing metropolitan corridor. Yet the map preserves a moment when natural features still dominate the composition: rivers, bay waters, wooded tracts, and gently varied terrain. It is a sophisticated cartographic portrait of Maryland’s capital, poised between colonial heritage, wartime importance, and the suburban expansion that would follow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCities, towns and places on this map\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnnapolis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChesapeake Bay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSouth River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBroadneck\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEdgewater\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArnold\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBay Ridge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEastport\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeverna Park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMagothy River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWest River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistrict No. 1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistrict No. 2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistrict No. 3\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNaval Academy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVarious wooded areas and parks depicted in green shading\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistorical context \u0026amp; cartographic details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduced by the US Geological Survey, this historical 1:31,680 topographical map shows Annapolis, Maryland, and the surrounding area.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe map is dated 1944.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePublished by the US Geological Survey (USGS), a scientific agency of the U.S. government responsible for studying landscapes, natural resources, and natural hazards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUses a methodical grid layout typical of topographical maps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinct color differentiation between land and water areas helps clarify the terrain.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures a blend of urban areas, waterways, and wooded regions, suggesting varied elevation and land use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides insight into the geographical layout of Annapolis during the mid-20th century.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUseful for comparison with present-day development, especially changes in urbanization and ecology.\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=\"\/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=\"\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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=\"\/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=\"\/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":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58792670200192,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58792670232960,"sku":null,"price":146.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58792670265728,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58792670298496,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58792670331264,"sku":null,"price":146.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58792670364032,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58792670396800,"sku":null,"price":88.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58792670429568,"sku":null,"price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58792670462336,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58792670495104,"sku":null,"price":102.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58792670527872,"sku":null,"price":222.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58792670560640,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58792670593408,"sku":null,"price":116.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58792670626176,"sku":null,"price":333.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58792670658944,"sku":null,"price":375.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58792670691712,"sku":null,"price":102.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58792670724480,"sku":null,"price":222.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58792670757248,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58792670790016,"sku":null,"price":123.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58792670822784,"sku":null,"price":333.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58792670855552,"sku":null,"price":375.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58792670888320,"sku":null,"price":123.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58792670921088,"sku":null,"price":333.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58792670953856,"sku":null,"price":375.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58792670986624,"sku":null,"price":160.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58792671019392,"sku":null,"price":458.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58792671052160,"sku":null,"price":458.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58792671084928,"sku":null,"price":160.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58792671117696,"sku":null,"price":458.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58792671150464,"sku":null,"price":458.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58792671183232,"sku":null,"price":229.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58792671216000,"sku":null,"price":1061.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58792671248768,"sku":null,"price":999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58792671281536,"sku":null,"price":347.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58792671314304,"sku":null,"price":1290.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58792671347072,"sku":null,"price":1214.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58792671379840,"sku":null,"price":423.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58792671412608,"sku":null,"price":1942.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58792671445376,"sku":null,"price":1803.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58792671478144,"sku":null,"price":784.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58792671510912,"sku":null,"price":2739.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58792671543680,"sku":null,"price":2600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_b10842fe-1c79-4610-927c-502682d943ae.jpg?v=1787843905","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.com\/products\/old-map-of-annapolis-maryland-by-usgs-1944-chesapeake-bay-naval-academy-south-river","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}