1973 Map of Cape Romano

About this map

Cape Romano serves as the focal point of this coastal orthophotomap, documenting the shifting barrier islands and shallow waters of southwest Florida in the early 1970s. This hybrid topographic and photographic study provides a detailed view of the intricate estuarine environment where Gullivan Bay meets the open Gulf of Mexico. The landscape is dominated by a chain of mangroves and sandy outcroppings, including Kice Island, Morgan Island, and Big Morgan Island. These landforms are separated by tidal inlets like Blind Pass and Morgan Pass, illustrating the dynamic nature of the coastline before further modern development. Offshore, the hazardous underwater topography of the Cape Romano Shoals is carefully delineated with depth curves, highlighting the navigational challenges that have historically defined this reach of the Collier County coast.