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1893 Map of Cape May

Name: 1893 Topographic Map of Cape May
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1893
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1893

About this map

Cape May City and the surrounding coastal reaches of Cape May County are shown here in the late nineteenth century, long before modern beachfront development altered the landscape. The tip of the peninsula is defined by Cape May Point and the Cape May Light, anchoring a region of tidal marshes and intricate waterways including Jarvis Sound and Grassy Sound. The map captures the early rail-and-resort economy, with the Cape May and Sewells Point R.R. connecting to Sewell's Point.

Inland, the rural character of the period is evident in settlements like Cold Spring and Bennett. A series of Life Saving Stations, such as L.S. Station Holly Beach and L.S. Station Bay Shore, line the Atlantic and Delaware Bay coasts, highlighting the maritime risks of the era. The presence of Higbee Landing and various named creeks like Pond Creek illustrate a shoreline defined by natural inlets and drainage before extensive dredging projects.