1920 Map of Hilton Head

About this map

Hilton Head Island dominates this tactical survey, showing the northern portion of the island and the surrounding waters of the Atlantic Ocean before the mid-century resort era. Produced by the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, the map reveals a sparsely developed landscape defined by coastal hydrology rather than urban infrastructure. A few landmarks such as the L.h. and the maritime warning Bell "2" mark the approaches to Port Royal Sound. On the island itself, the small settlement of Hilton Head is situated near the northern tip, while inland waterways like Broad Creek and Skull Creek carve through the marshes. Submerged hazards like Gaskins Banks and a labeled underwater Cable highlight the nautical focus of this era's mapping, capturing a time when the region relied on waterborne access and military coastal defense networks.