Loading map...

1941 Map of Casco Bay

Name: 1941 Topographic Map of Casco Bay
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1941
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1941

About this map

The harbor defenses of Portland dominate this 1941 tactical map, featuring a chain of coastal fortifications including Fort McKinley, Fort Gorges, and Fort Preble. Revised from aerial photography just before the United States' entry into World War II, the sheet illustrates the strategic significance of the islands and headlands protecting Portland and South Portland. Maritime safety is marked by several primary beacons, from the Portland Head Lighthouse at Fort Williams to the isolated Halfway Rock Lighthouse and the Portland Lightship stationed far offshore.

Mainland settlements like Falmouth Foreside and South Harpswell are shown alongside the intricate island geography of Cumberland County. In addition to the military works, the map identifies local education and recreation sites such as the Pine Grove Sch and Mountain View Park. The inclusion of the Boston and New York Steamboat Route reflects the continued importance of coastal shipping lanes alongside the growing residential and defense infrastructure of Cape Elizabeth.