It’s time for another Map Monday!  Today we share this plan of Land at Coatue, Nantucket, Mass., Section I, 1890, by Jesse Baker Snow (1868–1947). 
 
Late 19th-century real estate speculation on Nantucket left no corner untouched. In 1890, a syndicate of New York businessmen purchased the holdings of the Coatue Land Company, comprised of the barrier beach between Nantucket Harbor and Nantucket Sound. This plat shows their plan for subdividing the sandy spit into lots for a hotel, shops, and summer cottages. Few were developed, but a road and many small bathing houses were added. The 1883 Cedar Beach House (“Club House”) was renovated, and a new toboggan slide was installed.  
Nantucketer Jesse B. Snow drafted the plan you see here the year after receiving his degree in civil engineering. Snow is also credited with surveying an early railroad route from town to ‘Sconset. He went on to become a noted tunnel engineer who worked on New York’s subway system and the Holland Tunnel in the early 20th century.  
Check out our Visions of Nantucket: Cottage Cities that Never Were exhibited at Hadwen House to see this plan on display. Open daily, at 96 Main Street, from 10 am-4 pm. 
 
Image credits: 
Plan of Land at Coatue, Nantucket, Mass., Section I, 1890  
Jesse Baker Snow (1868–1947), civil engineer  
Museum collection, MS1000-6-3-1  
 
Slide and bath houses at Coatue, 1890s  
Unidentified photographer, P9647 ...