1950 Map of Great Wass Island

About this map

Head Harbor Island and its surrounding archipelago define this coastal Maine landscape, where the interplay of land and water is recorded through a network of sounds, coves, and rocky points. This mid-century survey reveals a maritime environment largely untouched by major development, centered on the Moose Peak L H U S Coast Guard Sta on Mistake Island. The interior of the larger islands is dominated by expansive Heath wetlands, intersected by a solitary Telephone Line. Small-scale human presence is visible at Mannings Farm on Fisherman Island, while the nautical character of the region is emphasized by the detailed hydrography of Western Bay and Eastern Bay. Local navigation depends on landmarks like the Cupola at Three Falls Harbor and the numerous named ledges such as Norton Ledge and Black Ledges that guard the approaches to Steele Harbor.