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1916 Map of Casco Bay

Name: 1916 Topographic Map of Casco Bay
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1930
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1930

About this map

Casco Bay defines this coastal landscape, where the early 20th-century maritime economy is etched into the shoreline through complex steamboat routes and military fortifications. The strategic importance of the harbor entrance is visible in the cluster of defensive sites including Fort Williams, Fort Preble, and Fort Scammel. Further out, Halfway Rock Light and the Cape Elizabeth Lightship manage the approaches to the Fore River.

On the mainland, the Grand Trunk Ry connects the growing settlements of South Portland and Falmouth, while inland landmarks like the Cape Elizabeth School and Pine Grove School anchor local communities. The island-dotted bay shows established landings such as Jenks Landing on Great Chebeague Island and Mariner on Long Island, illustrating a period when island life was deeply integrated with the Portland mainland through regular ferry and steamboat service.