1940 Map of Cape May

About this map

Cape May and the surrounding barrier island communities appear here in a mobilization-era tactical survey, reflecting the strategic importance of the Jersey Cape on the eve of American entry into World War II. The landscape is defined by the contrast between the dense grid of Wildwood and the marshy expanses of Jarvis Sound and Swain Sound. Military presence is evident at the Naval Res near Sewell Pt, guarding the entrance to Cape May Harbor. Coastal dynamics are visible in the layout of South Cape May and the developing stretches of Twomile Beach. Inland, the agricultural and rail-connected hamlets of Cold Spring, Erma, and Bennett provide a backdrop to the bustling seaside resorts. The map includes distinct maritime landmarks like the Municipal Pier and Ocean Pier, marking the peak of the pre-war tourism era.