The map images were collected by taking a laptop computer and scanner to each library. The images are presented in this collection in JPEG format so that they may be easily viewed or downloaded. Why the Collection Was Started This collection of map images was started by Christopher Marshall of Amherst, New Hampshire. Chris is an avid map enthusiast with an interest in railroads, and this map collection started as an effort to locate the abandoned railroad right of ways in New Hampshire. Historic USGS maps are not readily available.
Many libraries have some, but no New Hampshire library has a complete collection.
Chris generously gave copies of his images to the be used in the construction of this site, and gave even more generously his time and programming expertise. Meredith Ricker of the University of NH Government Documents Department collaborated with Chris to turn this collection of images into The Historic USGS Maps of New England archive.