The maps illustrate the area surrounding the Blackstone River before and after a flood.
Overall, the flood significantly changed the course of the river and transformed part of the former river bend into an oxbow lake. In addition, some of the surrounding land was submerged in water, while the residential area remained largely unaffected.
Before the flood, the river followed a winding route through the area, forming a large meander in the northern part of the map. Several houses were located close to the riverbanks, particularly in the eastern section. The surrounding land was covered with trees and open spaces.
After the flood, the river adopted a much straighter course, cutting through the neck of the meander and leaving the former bend isolated as an oxbow lake. As a result, the amount of land covered by water increased in the central area. Despite these changes, most of the houses and trees on the eastern side of the river remained in their original positions and escaped major damage.