1978 Map of Chincoteague East

About this map

Chincoteague Bay dominates this late-1970s orthophotograph, illustrating the complex barrier island system of the Virginia coast. Prepared by the Geological Survey and the Soil Conservation Service, this imagery captures the intricate network of salt marshes, tidal guts, and the narrow barrier beach that shields the inland waters from the Atlantic Ocean. The photographic format reveals the actual density of maritime forest and marsh vegetation, providing a more literal view of the landscape than a traditional line-drawn map. Waterways like the Chincoteague Channel and Toms Cove are shown in high contrast against the surrounding landforms, documenting the natural state of these dynamic coastal features as they appeared in 1978.