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1904 Map of Castine

Name: 1904 Topographic Map of Castine
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1904
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1904

About this map

Penobscot Bay serves as the central artery for this early twentieth-century coastal environment, where maritime commerce and seasonal tourism began to shape the landscape. The established port of Castine is anchored by the historic site of Ft. George, while across the water, the Northport Camp Ground and Temple Heights signal the area's growth as a summer destination. Further north, the maritime economy is visible through the working harbors of Searsport and Stockton Springs, and the industrial activity at Limekiln Landing.

Navigation is the lifeblood of this reach, with designated Steamboat Routes weaving through the islands. These routes connected isolated settlements like Dark Harbor and North Islesboro to the mainland. The detailed shoreline mapping by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey reveals a complex network of coves and narrows, such as the Bagaduce River and Sabbathday Harbor, which provided shelter for local vessels and supported the river-and-bay economy of the era.