{"product_id":"old-map-of-alexandria-bay-new-york-by-usgs-1943-thousand-islands-st-lawrence-river","title":"Old Map of Alexandria Bay, New York by USGS, 1943 – Thousand Islands \u0026 St. Lawrence River","description":"\u003cp\u003eTitled “Alexandria Bay,” this 1943 U.S. Geological Survey topographical map captures one of the most storied reaches of the St. Lawrence River: the Thousand Islands region of northern New York and adjacent Canadian waters. Drawn at the detailed scale of 1:31,680, it presents Alexandria Bay not merely as a resort village, but as the focal point of a complex riverine landscape of channels, islands, shorelines, roads, and rising ground. The map’s blue waterways, green vegetation shading, and finely spaced contour lines give the scene both technical precision and visual elegance. Created during the early 1940s, it preserves a geographical moment when infrastructure, tourism, river navigation, and rural settlement were all reshaping this celebrated borderland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe U.S. Geological Survey, founded in 1879, brought scientific rigor and national ambition to American mapmaking, and this sheet reflects the agency’s mastery of topographic representation. USGS maps were designed for practical use—engineering, resource management, military planning, outdoor travel, and civic development—yet they often possess a quiet aesthetic beauty born from clarity and restraint. Here, contour lines articulate the land’s subtle undulations around the St. Lawrence, while roads and railways reveal the human framework laid across the terrain. Water is given particular prominence, as befits a landscape defined by bays, channels, and island passages. The result is a map that is both an instrument of measurement and a portrait of place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlexandria Bay appears within a geography made famous by the Thousand Islands, an archipelago whose intricate scattering of land and water has long drawn travelers, boaters, anglers, and summer residents. The map includes Hill Island and the Canadian town of Gananoque, situating the region within its broader international setting along the U.S.–Canada boundary. Lake of the Isles, Chaumont Bay, the Black River, and the mouth of the Chaumont River expand the sheet’s hydrological drama, emphasizing how interconnected waters define settlement and movement. Numerous unnamed islands and lakes invite close inspection, each small shape contributing to the complexity of navigation and shoreline life in this remarkable river corridor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe topographic character of the map is especially compelling. Contours trace hills, valleys, and low ridges with a delicacy that reveals how elevation influences routes, drainage, and habitation. Around Alexandria Bay and the St. Lawrence shoreline, the land appears as a textured field of rises and depressions, suggesting the glacially shaped terrain that characterizes much of northern New York. Blue water bodies contrast crisply with green-shaded wooded or vegetated areas, helping the viewer distinguish river channels, bays, marshy margins, and upland ground. Roads and railways intersect the landscape in measured lines, showing the logistical connections that linked river communities to inland farms, markets, and regional transport networks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a 1943 document, the map offers a valuable snapshot of the Thousand Islands during a consequential decade. The early 1940s brought wartime mobilization, changing transportation needs, and continued modernization across rural America, even in places known primarily for scenic leisure. Features shown here may differ from the contemporary landscape, making the map an evocative record of earlier shorelines, road patterns, settlement footprints, and land use. Grass Point State Park and the surrounding riverfront speak to the region’s enduring recreational appeal, while the dense hydrography reflects its importance for navigation and cross-border movement. Elegant, precise, and historically resonant, this map transforms a beloved river landscape into a finely observed cartographic artifact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCities, towns and places on this map\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlexandria Bay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThousand Islands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHill Island\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGananoque\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLake of the Isles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrass Point State Park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSt. Lawrence River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChaumont Bay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMouth of the Chaumont River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVarious unnamed islands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVarious unnamed lakes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHistorical context \u0026amp; cartographic details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduced by the US Geological Survey, this historical topographical map is dated 1943.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe map is drawn at a scale of 1:31,680 and shows Alexandria Bay, the Thousand Islands, and the surrounding region of New York.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe USGS is a scientific agency of the U.S. government known for mapping and geological studies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSGS topographic maps have supported outdoor recreation, land use planning, resource management, and other practical uses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe map uses contour lines to show elevation changes, including hills and valleys.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater bodies are clearly marked in blue, while vegetation areas are shown with green shading.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoads and railways are shown intersecting the landscape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe map provides a snapshot of the area’s geography in the early 1940s, before later changes from urban development and infrastructure.\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":58780970615168,"sku":null,"price":76.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58780970647936,"sku":null,"price":203.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58780970680704,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58780970713472,"sku":null,"price":76.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58780970746240,"sku":null,"price":203.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58780970779008,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58780970811776,"sku":null,"price":122.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58780970844544,"sku":null,"price":270.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58780970877312,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58780970910080,"sku":null,"price":141.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58780970942848,"sku":null,"price":308.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58780970975616,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58780971008384,"sku":null,"price":160.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58780971041152,"sku":null,"price":462.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58780971073920,"sku":null,"price":520.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58780971106688,"sku":null,"price":141.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58780971139456,"sku":null,"price":308.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58780971172224,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58780971204992,"sku":null,"price":170.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58780971237760,"sku":null,"price":462.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58780971270528,"sku":null,"price":520.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58780971303296,"sku":null,"price":170.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58780971336064,"sku":null,"price":462.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58780971368832,"sku":null,"price":520.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58780971401600,"sku":null,"price":222.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58780971434368,"sku":null,"price":636.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58780971467136,"sku":null,"price":636.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58780971499904,"sku":null,"price":222.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58780971532672,"sku":null,"price":636.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58780971565440,"sku":null,"price":636.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58780971598208,"sku":null,"price":318.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58780971630976,"sku":null,"price":1473.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58780971663744,"sku":null,"price":1386.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58780971696512,"sku":null,"price":482.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58780971729280,"sku":null,"price":1790.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58780971762048,"sku":null,"price":1684.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58780971794816,"sku":null,"price":587.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58780971827584,"sku":null,"price":2695.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58780971860352,"sku":null,"price":2502.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58780971893120,"sku":null,"price":1088.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58780971925888,"sku":null,"price":3801.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58780971958656,"sku":null,"price":3609.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_7caa8bbb-6ac4-4c08-a64d-5d58bfcaa589.jpg?v=1787738183","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.ca\/products\/old-map-of-alexandria-bay-new-york-by-usgs-1943-thousand-islands-st-lawrence-river","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}