1951 Map of Cape Canaveral

About this map

The Cape Kennedy Air Force Station (NASA) dominates this coastal landscape, showing the rapid development of the space program during the mid-20th century. Originally surveyed in 1948 and updated with 1970 aerial photography, the map documents a dense network of early aerospace infrastructure including Launch Complex 17, Launch Complex 26, and the CKAFS Industrial area. The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse and a Lookout Tower stand as older navigational landmarks on the Cape Kennedy shoreline, overlooking the Canaveral Bight. To the south, the settlement of Cape Canaveral shows its expansion near the Barge Canal and Turning Basin. This record captures a pivotal transition, as quiet coastal features like Quarterman Cove and the small community at Holmes were eclipsed by massive launch facilities and a long Runway.