MassachusettsHISTORY EXPLORERS GRADES 3–8
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Quick glossary
evidence
Information from a source that helps us test a claim.
source
A document, object, image, or account we can examine.
inference
An explanation based on clues; it still needs checking.
migration
Moving from one place to another to live.
immigrant
A person who moves to another country to live.
estimate
An approximate amount, based on available information.
oral history
A recorded interview about someone’s memories and experiences.
community
People connected by a place, relationships, or shared activities.
ancestry
Family origins across generations.
primary source
Evidence created by someone who experienced a time or event.

Choose · notice · investigate

Railroads

Follow railroad lines on a historical map, then open the state’s transportation layers to investigate rail networks.

Showing 2 of 2 resources

Live map tool

Airports, ferry routes, rail, and seaports

Open transportation layers to compare ways of moving people and goods.

Which travel routes can cross water?

Open the official map resource ↗
Map of the railroads of the state of Massachusetts : accompanying the report of the railroad commissioners : 1899
Map of the railroads of the state of Massachusetts : accompanying the report of the railroad commissioners : 1899 — 1900Boston Public Library / Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center; Massachusetts. Board of Railroad Commissioners Image source ↗
transportation

Massachusetts railroads

statewide · 1900s

Follow railroad lines across Massachusetts at the start of the 1900s.

A question to investigate

Which towns appear to be rail crossroads?

Dig deeper · grades 6–8

Compare the map’s creator, date, purpose, scale, and missing information with a second map. Explain what changed and what stayed connected.

Explore the official source ↗

Sources checked September 23, 2026. Open the source for current programs, hours, access, and map updates. Historical maps may contain outdated language or incomplete representations of Native homelands.

Explore the six lessons →Image credits & sources →
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