1948 Map of Buxton

About this map

The narrow elbow of Hatteras Island stands as a fragile barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound, dominated by the maritime forests of Buxton Woods. This map, updated with 1980s data over a mid-century base, reveals the shifting geography of the Outer Banks near the famous lighthouse. The transition from the old Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to its active successor is visible, reflecting the constant battle against shoreline erosion. Small coastal settlements like Avon and Buxton are connected by a single roadway corridor, while the back bays and sounds are defined by intricate waterways such as Askins Creek, Peters Ditch, and Buxton Harbor Channel. The inclusion of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore boundary highlights the area's significance as a protected landscape, even as developments like Brigand Bay and Buxton Landing appear on the sound side.