1950 Map of Howard Reef

About this map

Ocracoke Island anchors this survey of the North Carolina coast, capturing the fragile barrier beach landscape as it appeared in the late 1940s. The map illustrates a period before significant development, where the geography was defined by shifting sands, maritime forests like Knoll Cedars, and small fishing or hunting outposts. Evidence of seasonal or specialized habitation appears at Cass Williams Camp and Dicks Camp, while the Telephone Line running the length of the island represents the primary infrastructure connecting these remote points. The shoreline is punctuated by natural breaks and tidal features such as the Little Swash Opening and Parkers Cr. Surveyed by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey with topography verified in 1947, this record preserves the specific locations of coastal landmarks like Parkers Hill against the expanse of the Pamlico Sound.