1985 Map of Currituck Sound

About this map

The Wright Brothers National Memorial anchors the southern reaches of this maritime landscape, where the barrier islands of the Outer Banks meet the expansive waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This mid-1980s planimetric study details the intricate coastal geography of the Currituck Sound, a region defined by its numerous bays, islands, and landings. To the north, the Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge and Knotts Island mark the boundary with Virginia, while the mainland side features rural settlements like Coinjock and Poplar Branch Landing. The barrier spit is sparsely populated, with the Currituck Beach Lighthouse standing near Corolla, and the growing communities of Duck and Kitty Hawk appearing to the south. This era shows the region before the most intensive modern development, preserving the footprints of older landings such as Knotts Landing and Newbern Landing along the sound side.