Old Birdseye Map of Puget Sound Region, 1927: Seattle, Tacoma, Olympic Peninsula, San Juan Islands, Mount Rainier

Step into the vibrant maritime world of the Pacific Northwest with the “Birdseye View of Puget Sound Country and Vicinity,” an evocative 1927 cartographic masterpiece commissioned by the Puget Sound Navigation Company. This captivating map, crafted at the height of the region’s steamboat era, invites viewers to explore a landscape defined by its intricate waterways, majestic mountains, and lush islands. The original title itself hints at the map’s panoramic ambition, offering a sweeping perspective that encompasses the Puget Sound, Olympic Peninsula, San Juan Islands, Vancouver Island, and the surrounding region—an area where nature and navigation intertwine in spectacular fashion.

The Puget Sound Navigation Company, affectionately known as the Black Ball Line, was founded by Charles E. Peabody in 1898 and soon became synonymous with maritime innovation and regional connectivity. By the 1930s, PSNC commanded a near-monopoly on cross-sound travel, ferrying passengers and goods between bustling ports and tranquil outposts. This map was conceived as both a promotional tool and a celebration of the company’s extensive routes, showcasing the accessibility of “Short Enjoyable Outings” to destinations such as Hood Canal, the Olympic Peninsula, and the San Juan Islands—each an alluring escape for urban dwellers and adventurers alike.

The map’s bird’s-eye perspective is a testament to the artistry and technical prowess of early 20th-century cartographers. Rendered with meticulous detail, it presents a richly textured tableau where waterways gleam, mountains soar, and forests sprawl across the land. The Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges rise dramatically in the background, with iconic peaks like Mount Rainier and Mount Baker anchoring the horizon. The map’s pictorial style not only serves as a navigational aid but also as an invitation to marvel at the natural grandeur and geographic complexity of the Pacific Northwest.

Beyond its visual splendor, the map is a document of historical significance, capturing a pivotal moment when ferries and steamships were the lifeblood of regional commerce and culture. The international boundary between the United States and Canada is subtly traced, connecting the thriving cities of Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Victoria, while also delineating the wild beauty of the Olympic Peninsula and the intricate archipelago of the San Juan Islands. Major rivers, bays, and inlets—such as the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Georgia Strait—are elegantly depicted, underscoring the region’s reliance on waterborne transportation.

Every detail of this map reflects the spirit of exploration and enterprise that defined the era. Lighthouses and navigational aids punctuate the coastline, guiding vessels through fog and tide. Forested landscapes and rugged capes evoke the untamed character of the land, while the absence of modern bridges and highways hints at a time when the rhythm of life was set by the schedule of the next departing steamer. This “Birdseye View of Puget Sound Country and Vicinity” is more than a map—it is a window into a bygone age of adventure, innovation, and natural wonder.

Cities and towns on this map

• Seattle
• Tacoma
• Olympia
• Everett
• Bellingham
• Port Angeles
• Bremerton
• Anacortes
• Port Townsend
• Vancouver (BC)
• Victoria (BC)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Puget Sound (major waterway)
• Olympic Peninsula (prominent landmass)
• San Juan Islands (island group)
• Vancouver Island (large island, British Columbia)
• Hood Canal (fjord-like arm of Puget Sound)
• Strait of Juan de Fuca (major strait between Washington and Vancouver Island)
• Georgia Strait (waterway between Vancouver Island and mainland BC)
• Mount Rainier (depicted as a prominent mountain)
• Mount Baker (depicted as a prominent mountain)
• Olympic Mountains (mountain range on the peninsula)
• Cascade Mountains (mountain range to the east)
• Ferry and steamboat routes (illustrated on the map)
• International boundary between the United States and Canada (visible on the map)
• Major rivers (e.g., Snohomish River, Skagit River, depicted)
• Lighthouses and navigational aids (illustrated along waterways)
• Bays and inlets (e.g., Elliott Bay, Bellingham Bay)
• Prominent capes and peninsulas (e.g., Cape Flattery)

Historical and design context

• Created in 1927 by the Puget Sound Navigation Company (PSNC), also known as the Black Ball Line.
• PSNC was founded by Charles E. Peabody in 1898 and became a dominant force in regional maritime travel.
• The map was designed as a promotional tool to highlight ferry and steamboat routes and encourage tourism.
• Bird’s-eye perspective, highly detailed and pictorial, emphasizing natural features and waterways.
• Reflects the critical role of ferries and steamships in the Pacific Northwest before the era of modern highways and bridges.
• Highlights the accessibility of “Short Enjoyable Outings” to scenic regional destinations.
• Captures a pivotal era of transportation and exploration in the Pacific Northwest.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father’s Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you’d like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.