Current Auction
Lot 247
Current Auction

"Map of Mining Lands at Newbury, Near Newburyport, Essex County, Massachusetts", Little, Jr., N.

Subject: Newburyport, Massachusetts

Period: 1875 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
22.5 x 17.8 inches
57.2 x 45.2 cm
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This uncommon pocket map depicts the town and vicinity where silver deposits were discovered in the late 19th century. It is drawn on a detailed scale of 125 rods per inch (about 2,060 feet per inch) but does not actually show any mining activity. Rather, it details roads, creeks and rivers, and individual plots with land owners' names. There is good detail of the railroads and depots including the Boston and Maine Railroad and the Eastern Railroad. The only mention of mining we can find on the map is the Mining Station on the B&M Railroad. The map further locates hotels, Old Town Hill, Turkey Hill, Woodbridges Island, lighthouses along the Atlantic shore, and more. In 1878 Newbury became an instant silver boom town when the ore was discovered in a field that later became the Chipman Mine. The property of Chipman, Shawn & Kelly is shown adjacent to the Mining Station mentioned earlier. After the discovery, land values soared; land valued at $300 for 12 acres prior to the discovery, sold for up to $100,000 after the discovery. The owners of the Chipman Mine were very successful with an estimated $500,000 worth of silver recovered. The mine closed in 1925. Folds into original brown boards (3 x 5") with gilt title on front cover. Dated 1875 but issued circa 1878-79. Billed as a mining map, it is more accurately a real estate promotional map by the publisher, whose name frequently appears among the land parcels shown on the map.

References:

Condition: B

The folding map has some light toning, particularly along the right vertical fold which has been backed with old tape, and a bit of staining. Covers are worn with the front cover detached.

Estimate: $180 - $220

Price: $130

Bid Increments
$50 - $99$5
$100 - $249$10
$250 - $499$25
$500 - $999$50
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