1956 Map of Cockroach Bay

About this map

Tampa Bay and the intricate shoreline of Cockroach Bay dominate this coastal survey, where the low-lying wetlands of Hillsborough County meet Manatee County. The landscape is a complex network of island clusters and tidal channels including Hallelujah Keys, Paradise Key, and Big Pass Key. A significant cultural landmark, the Big Cockroach Mound, sits at the mouth of the bay, suggesting the area's long human history prior to modern development. To the south, the industrial and transport footprint becomes evident at Piney Point, where the Seaboard rail line and a landing strip serve the coastal economy. The waters are further defined by specific maritime navigation features like Cockroach Channel and an offshore Anchorage for Explosives, reflecting the bay's strategic and commercial utility in the mid-20th century.