This noteworthy and seldom seen map was published by Walter Watson for the Berkshire Life Insurance Company, Pittsfield, Mass. The map lays out the railways and highways of the Berkshire Hills region in 1883 in remarkable detail. A legend identifies main roads, school houses, cemeteries, churches, railroad stations, and much, much more. The Berkshire Hills are described at right in a long excerpt from "Taghconic," by J.E.A. Smith. A vignette shows the company's headquarters building and another "View of the Berkshire Hills. Greylock Peak from the south end of Lake Onota." According to the Harvard University Gazette, Oct. 24, 2002, this map is widely regarded as the first 'free' road map ever distributed mainly for use by touring bicyclists. Beautifully printed by the Sun Printing Company, Pittsfield, Mass.

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Condition: A+

Folded as issued. A little creasing at a few fold intersections, still fine.