Titled simply “Lincoln,” this U.S. Geological Survey topographical map captures one of New Hampshire’s most dramatic mountain gateways as surveyed in 1967 and issued with a 1972 imprint. At a precise 1:24,000 scale, it presents Lincoln, Woodstock, and the surrounding White Mountain landscape at a moment when recreation, conservation, and mountain-town development were reshaping the region. The map situates the settlements along the Pemigewasset River corridor, where roads, rail traces, trails, and forest boundaries reveal how access into the high country was organized in the late twentieth century. It is both a practical survey document and a richly detailed portrait of a place defined by steep ridges, wooded valleys, swift water, and the enduring presence of the White Mountain National Forest.

The USGS was the preeminent American mapping authority for this kind of work, combining field survey, aerial observation, and standardized cartographic language into maps prized for their clarity and reliability. Here, its disciplined style is especially effective: contour lines model the rugged relief with precision, while color gradients, hydrographic markings, road classifications, and forest boundaries create an immediately legible hierarchy of landforms and human infrastructure. The result is a map that rewards close reading. A glance shows the mountain massifs around Lincoln; longer study reveals drainage patterns, trail approaches, isolated ponds, and the sinuous logic of roads through notches and river valleys. It is scientific cartography with an understated elegance, designed for use yet full of visual rhythm.

Lincoln and Woodstock appear as companion communities in a narrow mountain corridor, framed by the Pemigewasset River and its east and west branches. Their location explains much of the area’s history: logging, milling, transport, tourism, and later skiing all depended on the river valleys and passable routes through the White Mountains. US Route 3 and the Kancamagus Highway mark vital lines of movement, connecting the towns with Franconia Notch, the forest interior, and the broader northern New Hampshire road network. The map preserves a late-1960s view of this infrastructure, before later expansions in resort development and changing patterns of outdoor travel further altered the landscape. It is a compelling record of access into a famously rugged terrain.

The topographic drama of the sheet lies in its surrounding heights. Mount Lincoln, Mount Flume, Notch Mountain, South Peak, Lewis Hill, and Loon Mountain are all set within a terrain of close contours and steep gradients, evoking the abrupt ascent from valley floor to forested summit. Franconia Ridge, one of the iconic high ridges of the White Mountains, anchors the wider geography and gives the map a sense of alpine scale unusual in the northeastern United States. Little Lincoln Ponds and the Gale River add quieter details within the mountainous setting, reminders that this landscape is as much about hidden basins and headwaters as it is about famous summits. The map beautifully conveys the complexity of a deeply folded, water-carved highland.

For hikers, skiers, naturalists, and admirers of New England history, this map evokes a region where wilderness and accessibility meet. Franconia Notch State Park and the White Mountain National Forest represent two overlapping ideals of conservation: protected scenery and managed public land, both central to the identity of northern New Hampshire. Loon Mountain and nearby peaks point toward the area’s growing recreational economy, while the trails and roads suggest the enduring appeal of exploration on foot, by car, and eventually by ski lift. As a historical document, “Lincoln” records the physical and cultural landscape of the White Mountains at a pivotal moment, when traditional mountain communities were becoming modern outdoor destinations without losing their powerful sense of place.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Lincoln, NH
• Woodstock, NH
• Franconia Notch State Park
• White Mountain National Forest
• Little Lincoln Ponds
• Pemigewasset River
• East and West Branches of the Pemigewasset River
• Mount Lincoln
• Loon Mountain
• South Peak
• Notch Mountain
• Mount Flume
• Lewis Hill
• Franconia Ridge
• Gale River
• US Route 3
• Kancamagus Highway

Historical context & cartographic details

• Historical 1:24,000 topographical map of Lincoln, New Hampshire and the surrounding area.
• Produced by the US Geological Survey (USGS).
• Dated 1967, with a 1972 imprint.
• Shows the surrounding White Mountain National Forest, state parks, roads, trails, rivers, mountains, and other geographical features.
• Features contour lines and color gradients to show elevation changes and detailed terrain.
• Uses standardized USGS topographic symbology for navigation, land use, and outdoor recreation.
• Illustrates the rugged topography of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, including hilly terrain, forests, rivers, and mountain features.
• Reflects the geographical and infrastructural realities of the area in the late 1960s.
• Highlights development patterns and accessibility that may have changed since 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.