1980 Pioneer Valley Association Pictorial Map of Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts

Promoting the Pioneer Valley.

This is a c. 1980 promotional pictorial map of the Pioneer Valley or the Connecticut River Valley in Massachusetts, produced by the Pioneer Valley Association. The map highlights the region's recreational opportunities and natural beauty.

A Closer Look

The map covers a slice of Massachusetts between the borders with Vermont and Connecticut, and covers the area between the Berkshires and Worcester County, consistent with Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties. Towns and major roads/highways are noted throughout, with illustrations referring to local history, culture, nature, and attractions. Notable features referenced include the University of Massachusetts-Amherst (one of the Five Colleges Consortium in the region), the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, the Riverside Park Amusement Park (now Six Flags New England) in Agawam, Brady Field (Brady International Airport) just over the border in northern Connecticut, the 'Hail to the Sunrise' monument in Charlemont, and fossilized dinosaur tracks discovered in Granby, Massachusetts. More general illustrations refer to outdoor activities throughout the region, including golfing, fishing, and skiing. A list of towns in the region at right includes a full list of local attractions.

Publication History and Census

This map was produced by the Pioneer Valley Association around the year 1980. It is undated but includes the tower of the W.E.B. DuBois Library at UMass - Amherst (the tallest library building in the world when completed), so it likely was produced after 1974. We have been unable to locate any other examples in institutional collections or on the market.

Condition

Very good. Closed margin tears professionally repaired on verso. Slight toning.