1891 Charles Snow Map of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island and Massachusetts

This is a finely detailed 1891 Charles Snow and Forbes Lithographing map of Narragansett Bay, spanning parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, published as the region was transforming into a premier summer retreat for America's mercantile aristocracy.

A Closer Look

The map captures Narragansett Bay and its surroundings, with Providence at the top, Narragansett Pier at the lower left, and Sakonnet Point at the lower right. Cities and towns are clearly marked, along with roads, railways, lighthouses, islands, and a wealth of maritime features, including points, rocks, and channels. Steamboats and sailing vessels are illustrated throughout the bay, animating the waters with a sense of period activity. Although railroads are not labeled, the lines depicted correspond to the Narragansett Pier Railroad, the Providence, Warren and Bristol Railroad, and the Old Colony Railroad.

Narragansett Bay

For centuries, Narragansett Bay was a hub of maritime commerce and fishing, like many coastal New England communities. By the late 19th century, however, it was rapidly evolving into a center of leisure and seasonal escape. Facilitated by new rail and steamship routes, affluent families from Boston, New York, and beyond were drawn to the bay's temperate climate and scenic beauty. Newport, located near the bottom of the map, became synonymous with Gilded Age luxury, attracting America's elite who erected opulent summer 'cottages' along its shoreline.

By the 1890s, regional tourism had become a dominant economic force. This period, often dubbed the 'Gay Nineties,' saw a surge in the construction of grand hotels, entertainment venues, golf courses, and other leisure amenities. Of particular note on this map is the prominent depiction of Narragansett Pier, which at the time rivaled Newport as a fashionable resort. Its centerpiece was a grand casino designed by the architectural firm McKim, Mead and White, with landscaping by Frederick Law Olmsted. Although the casino was destroyed by fire in 1900, leaving only the resort's iconic granite towers and gate, the Pier's moment of prominence reflects the broader rise of Narragansett Bay as a luxury summer destination.

Publication History and Census

This map contains no publication information but was produced in 1891. We are only aware of two other examples of this map, held by the University of Michigan and the Rhode Island Historical Society. The R.I.H.S. listing attributes it to Charles N. Snow and Forbes Lithograph Co. of Boston.