1951 Map of Cherry Point

About this map

The US Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point dominates the western shoreline of this 1951 survey, appearing alongside the U S Naval Reservation as military operations established a firm presence in eastern North Carolina. Across the wide Neuse River, the northern shore reveals a different character, marked by leisure and community at Minnesott Beach and youth retreats like Camp Don-Lee and Camp Seagull. The landscape is deeply etched by a network of tidal creeks and guts, including Hancock Creek and Cahoogue Creek, which penetrate the dense timber of the Croatan National Forest. These waterways served as the primary conduits for local life before modern road networks were fully realized, connecting small settlements like Blades and Bachelor to the river commerce. Cultural landmarks such as Weeping Mary Ch and Small Chapel provide essential points of reference for genealogists tracing family roots in this coastal region.