Rare Old Map of Kennebunk, Maine by USGS, 1956: Wells, Biddeford & Maine Coast
Restored in our workshop from the original 1964 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Full description
The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.
Restored from the original 1964 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Full description
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Gift message & custom finish
If you want to add a gift message, or a finish (jigsaw, aluminium board, etc.) that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
Every order is custom made, so if you need the size adjusted slightly, or printed on an unusual material, just let us know. We've done thousands of custom orders over the years, so there's (almost) nothing we can't manage.
You can also contact us before you order, if you prefer!
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Published in 1964 from a 1956 survey, the United States Geological Survey’s “Kennebunk” presents a finely detailed mid-century portrait of Maine’s southern...
Continue readingPublished in 1964 from a 1956 survey, the United States Geological Survey’s “Kennebunk” presents a finely detailed mid-century portrait of Maine’s southern coast at 1:62,500 scale. Centered on Kennebunk and Wells, it extends across a landscape where Atlantic shoreline, inland ponds, roads, wooded uplands, and settled villages meet in the distinctive rhythm of coastal New England. The map’s original title is elegantly direct, yet the terrain it records is richly layered: maritime communities, rural crossroads, tidal edges, and the subtle rise and fall of low hills. Its green color scheme gives the sheet a quietly atmospheric quality, while contour lines, water features, and road networks reveal the practical precision for which USGS mapping became renowned.
The United States Geological Survey brought to this map the institutional authority of one of America’s most important scientific agencies. Founded to study the nation’s geology, waters, resources, and hazards, the USGS developed a cartographic language that balanced technical accuracy with remarkable visual clarity. In the “Kennebunk” quadrangle, that tradition is visible in the crisp contour intervals, carefully differentiated roads, blue-marked lakes and ponds, and densely interpreted woodland areas. This was mapping for engineers, planners, hikers, motorists, and local residents alike: a democratic scientific document that made the shape of the land legible. Its disciplined design reflects a period when topographic maps were essential tools for understanding both everyday movement and long-term patterns of settlement.
Kennebunk and Wells occupy a particularly evocative coastal setting, and this map captures the interplay between shore, marsh, stream, and upland. The Atlantic Ocean anchors the eastern edge, while inland the landscape opens into ponds, brooks, forested tracts, and gently rolling elevations. Contours trace the modest but meaningful relief of southern Maine, where valleys and low hills define drainage, road placement, and settlement patterns. Blue hydrological markings identify the watercourses and still waters that shaped farming, milling, recreation, and travel. The green terrain treatment emphasizes vegetation and elevation in a way that gives the map both scientific utility and aesthetic depth, turning the familiar New England countryside into a readable composition of natural systems.
The human geography is equally compelling. Kennebunk appears not only as a coastal community but as a place with deep connections to maritime trade, shipbuilding, and the economic life of the Atlantic seaboard. Wells, Biddeford, North Berwick, York, and Sanford situate the quadrangle within a wider regional network of towns, roads, and rural routes. Major roads are marked in red, standing out against the subdued greens and blues of the terrain, while smaller trails and paths suggest local movement through woods, fields, and coastal margins. Together, these features evoke a region in transition: still strongly shaped by older village patterns and natural corridors, yet increasingly connected by mid-twentieth-century transportation and development.
As a historical document, the map preserves southern Maine at a revealing moment. The 1956 survey captures land use before many later waves of suburban expansion, tourism infrastructure, and coastal development altered the appearance of the region. Forested areas, hills, ponds, and rural roads retain a prominence that speaks to an older balance between settlement and landscape. At the same time, the precision of the USGS style anticipates modern planning, recreation, and environmental analysis, offering a snapshot against which later change can be measured. With its vibrant colorization, clear topographic language, and careful rendering of both natural and built features, “Kennebunk” is a graceful record of place, science, and mid-century American cartography.
Cities, towns and places on this map
- Kennebunk
- Wells
- Biddeford
- North Berwick
- York
- Sanford
- Atlantic Ocean
- Various lakes and ponds
- Major roads
- Trails and paths
- Coastal features
- Nearby forested areas and hills
Historical context & cartographic details
- Produced by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
- Historical 1:62,500 topographical map showing Kennebunk, Wells, and the surrounding area in Maine.
- Created in 1956 and published with a 1964 imprint.
- Kennebunk is recognized as a historically significant coastal community with links to maritime trade.
- Features a rich green color scheme representing terrain elevation and vegetation.
- Clearly marked elevation lines and contour intervals show the area’s topography.
- Illustrates elevations, valleys, and hills typical of a New England landscape.
- Captures the Kennebunk area during the mid-20th century, reflecting land use and development patterns of the period.
- Vibrant colorization and clear natural-feature demarcation reflect USGS cartographic techniques used for recreational and practical navigation.
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.
Published in 1964 from a 1956 survey, the United States Geological Survey’s “Kennebunk” presents a finely detailed mid-century portrait of Maine’s southern coast at 1:62,500 scale. Centered on Kennebunk and Wells, it extends across a landscape where Atlantic shoreline, inland ponds, roads, wooded uplands, and settled villages meet in the distinctive rhythm of coastal New England. The map’s original title is elegantly direct, yet the terrain it records is richly layered: maritime communities, rural crossroads, tidal edges, and the subtle rise and fall of low hills. Its green color scheme gives the sheet a quietly atmospheric quality, while contour lines, water features, and road networks reveal the practical precision for which USGS mapping became renowned.
The United States Geological Survey brought to this map the institutional authority of one of America’s most important scientific agencies. Founded to study the nation’s geology, waters, resources, and hazards, the USGS developed a cartographic language that balanced technical accuracy with remarkable visual clarity. In the “Kennebunk” quadrangle, that tradition is visible in the crisp contour intervals, carefully differentiated roads, blue-marked lakes and ponds, and densely interpreted woodland areas. This was mapping for engineers, planners, hikers, motorists, and local residents alike: a democratic scientific document that made the shape of the land legible. Its disciplined design reflects a period when topographic maps were essential tools for understanding both everyday movement and long-term patterns of settlement.
Kennebunk and Wells occupy a particularly evocative coastal setting, and this map captures the interplay between shore, marsh, stream, and upland. The Atlantic Ocean anchors the eastern edge, while inland the landscape opens into ponds, brooks, forested tracts, and gently rolling elevations. Contours trace the modest but meaningful relief of southern Maine, where valleys and low hills define drainage, road placement, and settlement patterns. Blue hydrological markings identify the watercourses and still waters that shaped farming, milling, recreation, and travel. The green terrain treatment emphasizes vegetation and elevation in a way that gives the map both scientific utility and aesthetic depth, turning the familiar New England countryside into a readable composition of natural systems.
The human geography is equally compelling. Kennebunk appears not only as a coastal community but as a place with deep connections to maritime trade, shipbuilding, and the economic life of the Atlantic seaboard. Wells, Biddeford, North Berwick, York, and Sanford situate the quadrangle within a wider regional network of towns, roads, and rural routes. Major roads are marked in red, standing out against the subdued greens and blues of the terrain, while smaller trails and paths suggest local movement through woods, fields, and coastal margins. Together, these features evoke a region in transition: still strongly shaped by older village patterns and natural corridors, yet increasingly connected by mid-twentieth-century transportation and development.
As a historical document, the map preserves southern Maine at a revealing moment. The 1956 survey captures land use before many later waves of suburban expansion, tourism infrastructure, and coastal development altered the appearance of the region. Forested areas, hills, ponds, and rural roads retain a prominence that speaks to an older balance between settlement and landscape. At the same time, the precision of the USGS style anticipates modern planning, recreation, and environmental analysis, offering a snapshot against which later change can be measured. With its vibrant colorization, clear topographic language, and careful rendering of both natural and built features, “Kennebunk” is a graceful record of place, science, and mid-century American cartography.
Cities, towns and places on this map
- Kennebunk
- Wells
- Biddeford
- North Berwick
- York
- Sanford
- Atlantic Ocean
- Various lakes and ponds
- Major roads
- Trails and paths
- Coastal features
- Nearby forested areas and hills
Historical context & cartographic details
- Produced by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
- Historical 1:62,500 topographical map showing Kennebunk, Wells, and the surrounding area in Maine.
- Created in 1956 and published with a 1964 imprint.
- Kennebunk is recognized as a historically significant coastal community with links to maritime trade.
- Features a rich green color scheme representing terrain elevation and vegetation.
- Clearly marked elevation lines and contour intervals show the area’s topography.
- Illustrates elevations, valleys, and hills typical of a New England landscape.
- Captures the Kennebunk area during the mid-20th century, reflecting land use and development patterns of the period.
- Vibrant colorization and clear natural-feature demarcation reflect USGS cartographic techniques used for recreational and practical navigation.
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.
Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.
Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.
We make orders locally in 24 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.
- We can deliver directly to the recipient
- Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
- Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
- Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
- 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide
If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.
Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.
We print and frame maps and artwork in 24 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.
Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.
Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.
Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.
If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.
Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.
Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.
Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.
We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.
Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.
Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.
All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.
If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.
We work with interior designers, hospitality businesses, property professionals, offices and corporate buyers on individual pieces and larger coordinated projects.
This map can be adapted for a particular wall, room or project, and our workshop can help coordinate the dimensions, material and framing before production.
- Exact, oversized and made-to-measure dimensions
- Custom framing, mounting and alternative materials
- Coordinated pieces for several rooms or locations
- Map personalisation, to mark important locations or add extra details
- Map and framing guidance from our workshop
- Local production for projects around the world
Every Unique Maps piece begins with an authentic cartographic source or an original design from our London studio.
For our historic maps, we source rare originals from libraries, archives, auction houses and private collections around the world. We carefully restore each map for print—repairing age-related damage, balancing colour and improving clarity while preserving its original detail, texture and character.
Once restored, the map is prepared for your chosen size and finish. Your piece is then printed and, where selected, framed close to its delivery destination.
Our map prints use acid-free 200gsm archival matte paper and fade-resistant pigment inks, creating a rich, non-glossy finish designed to last. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
Canvas, cotton-rag and other specialist presentations are also available. Learn more about our materials and finishes.
Personalising your map
You can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. For personalised designs, we send a proof before printing and you can request changes before approval.
For more complex bespoke commissions, contact our design team.
Original or Aged
Choose Original for true-to-source colour, or Aged for a warmer, richer antique character created with our specialist ageing process. See examples of our Aged maps.
We’ve been restoring and producing maps and art prints since 1984, and we stand behind every piece.
Every order is covered by our 10-year guarantee and damage-free delivery guarantee. If your piece arrives damaged, we’ll replace or remake it free of charge. If anything else isn’t right, contact our workshop team and we’ll put it right promptly.
See our returns and refund policy for full details.
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