This is a noteworthy and seldom seen map published by Walter Watson for the Berkshire Life Insurance Company, Pittsfield, Mass. The map details the railways and highways of the Berkshire Hills region in 1883. Remarkable detail throughout including a legend identifying main roads, school houses, cemeteries, churches, railroad stations, and much, much more. The map "is a prize of the Harvard Map Collection exhibit. This map is widely regarded as the first free road map ever distributed … mainly for touring bicyclists." [Harvard University Gazette, Oct. 24, 2002]. A vignette shows the company's headquarters building.

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Condition: A

Folding, as issued with full, original margins. Even ivory age toning with a couple small fold intersections splits and a couple very light foxing areas near titling, still very good.