Board of Harbor and Land Commissioners of Massachusetts

The Topographical Survey Commission was created in Massachusetts per 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, and with the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (1884-1887) to produce a town boundary survey (the determination by triangulation of boundary lines of cities and towns) 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 town boundary surveys in 1901 and completed them in 1914. Beyond that date, the following agencies succeeded the board in its responsibility for state surveying: Commission on Waterways and Public Lands, in 1916; Division of Waterways and Public Lands of the Dept. of Public Works, in 1919; Dept. of Public Works as a whole, in 1927; and the department's Division of Waterways, in 1938.

Atlases were produced in conjunction with these projects. Resolves 1890, c 57 authorized the production of topographical maps from plates engraved by the U.S. Geological Survey, showing only geological features. Copies of: Atlas of Massachusetts. Boston : Topographical Survey Commission, 1890 ((M-Ar)1548X (original maps in: Massachusetts. Office of the Secretary of State. Maps and plans (M-Ar) 50)) were distributed free to every public library and historical library in the state (Resolves 1891, c 95), and to public schools in every town (Resolves 1894, c 83). Atlases of town boundary lines ((M-Ar(421)) were authorized per St 1897, c 69, and were published in batches, 1898-1915. As each atlas was published it was distributed free to towns, public libraries, and various other agencies per St 1900, c 360.

The Board of Harbor and Land Commissioners, established in 1879, combined the duties and responsibilities of the Board of Harbor Commissioners and the Board of Land Commissioners (St 1879, c 263). Three commissioners were appointed by the governor and his council. They were required to keep a record of their activities and expenses and to submit an annual report in January of each year.

Responsible for the general care and supervision of the harbors and tidewaters, the board had as its primary function to insure that the channels were fully navigable and to otherwise protect, improve, and develop these areas.

To carry out this function, the board was authorized to license and oversee all plans and petitions relating to the building of bridges, wharves, piers, or dams over tidewaters, the filling of any flats, the driving of piles, or dredging in harbors. They determined and collected tidewater assessment fees for water displaced by licensed construction. They were also empowered to prevent and remove unauthorized structures or other encroachments. Engineers and assistants employed by the board made surveys, investigated license proposals, completed work, and reported back to the board.

In 1888 the board gained jurisdiction over the "great ponds" (i.e., those over ten acres) belonging to the Commonwealth (St 1888, c 318). These powers were broadened in 1904 when they were authorized to sell and convey or lease the islands in the great ponds with the approval of the governor and his council (St 1904, c 379).

In 1901, when the Topographical Survey Commission was abolished (St 1901, c 469), the board assumed its powers and took over work being done on the Town Boundary Survey, which was not completed until 1914.

In 1909 it was empowered to undertake projects for the improvement, development, maintenance, and protection of rivers, harbors, tidewaters, and shorelines (St 1909, c 481).

In 1911 its responsibilities in respect to Boston Harbor were transferred to the Directors of the Port of Boston, who were also charged with developing the Port of Boston (St 1911, c 748).

In 1916 both the Board of Harbor and Land Commissioners and the Directors of the Port of Boston were abolished and their powers and duties were assumed by the Commission on Waterways and Public Lands (St 1916, c 288).