1951 Map of Gunpowder Neck

About this map

The Aberdeen Proving Ground dominates this coastal landscape along the Gunpowder River, showcasing the extensive military footprint on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay during the early Cold War era. The map details a complex network of peninsulas and necks, including Graces Quarters and Carroll Island, which were increasingly repurposed for defense testing and strategic use. Inland, the influence of the Pennsylvania Railroad is evident with stops at Chase Station and Harewood Station, facilitating the growth of nearby residential and recreational pockets like Harewood Park and the waterfront community of Miami Beach. The maritime character of the region is further emphasized by the presence of Pooles Island and its lighthouse, standing as critical navigational markers where the Bush River meets the bay. This survey captures a moment when traditional waterfront leisure at Seneca Park existed alongside the high-security operations of the military reservation.