Scope and Content: The Topographical Survey Commission was created in 1884 (Resolves 1884, c 72) and during its existence had a mandate to carry out two projects: preparation of a contour topographical map of the state in conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey (1884-1887), and production of a town boundary survey starting in 1885.  Additional legislation was initiated to authorize the commission to resolve problems with the state boundaries with Rhode Island (Resolves 1897, c 88), New York (Resolves 1897, c 25), and Connecticut (Resolves 1898, c 39). The Board of Harbor and Land Commissioners took over the work of the commission in 1901, and its successor, the Division of Waterways, took possession of these topographic maps. –Details of the state field survey work on the topographical map project was coordinated between the members of the Massachusetts Topographical Survey Commission, Francis A. Walker, Henry L. Whiting and Nathaniel S. Shaler; and director J.W. Powell of the U.S. Geological Survey. Work began in September 1884. By 1885, four survey field parties were at work under the direction of the U.S. Geological Survey and survey work was completed in 1887.
Notes: Maps later assigned serial number W520-572 as part of: Massachusetts. Division of Waterways. Maps and plans ((M-Ar)1165X)
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