Maps

1/5 Roxbury 1797

Roxbury 1797

This 1797 map of Massachusetts by D.F. Sotzmann (published in Germany) shows Roxbury, Dorchester, and Boston as separate towns. The green star is the approximate location of the Boston Nature Center today. Map reproduction courtesy of the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center, Boston Public Library.
Norfolk County 1858

This 1858 map of Norfolk County by H. F. Walling (published in Boston by Smith & Bumstead) shows West Roxbury as an independent town, separate from Roxbury. Map reproduction courtesy of the David Rumsey Map Collection / Cartography Associates.
West Roxbury, Roxbury, & Dorchester 1903

This 1903 map by Rand McNally & Co. of Chicago shows West Roxbury, Roxbury, and Dorchester (names outlined in blue), along with Brighton, as incorporated into the city of Boston, as they are today. Map reproduction courtesy of the David Rumsey Map Collection / Cartography Associates.
Boston State Hospital 1920

This 1920 map published by the Dorchester Board of Trade shows the Boston State Hospital (site of the future BNC) as part of Dorchester. Map reproduction courtesy of the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the Boston Public Library.
Mattapan Map

This Google map shows Mattapan as home of the Boston Nature Center today. (Jamaica Plain and Roslindale were created in the 20th century out of parts of the former West Roxbury.) Map courtesy Boston Natural Areas Network.