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1948 Map of Anderson Island

Name: 1948 Topographic Map of Anderson Island
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1955
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1955

About this map

McNeil Island (Federal Penitentiary) dominates the northern reach of this South Sound landscape, shown here before its transition into a state facility. The island's self-contained infrastructure is visible through features like the Filtration Plant, Eden Creek Reservoir, and the Prison Wharf, while the Hillcrest Cem sits near the northern shore. Across Balch Passage, Anderson Island appears as a more traditional rural settlement, characterized by small communities like Villa Beach and Vega.

Transport is defined by the water, with the Steilacoom Ferry route connecting the mainland to these isolated island outposts. The southern tip of the map reaches into the edge of the Fort Lewis Military Reservation, showing shore-side landmarks like 30 Infantry Bluff. This 1948 survey records a maritime way of life where interior lakes like Florence Lake provided recreation and local water, while the Sound served as the primary highway for residents and federal authorities alike.