1956 Map of Isles Of Shoals

About this map

The rocky archipelago of the Isles of Shoals straddles the maritime border of Kittery, Maine, and Rye, New Hampshire. This survey, compiled from mid-century planetable work and updated with 1970s aerial photography, details the rugged outcroppings of the Atlantic Ocean before modern developments altered the coastlines. Concentrated human activity is centered on the larger islands, where a small Cem and Lighthouse mark the enduring presence of fishing and seafaring communities. The complex geography of Gosport Harbor is shielded by Smuttynose Island and Star Island, revealing a coastline defined by dangerous submerged hazards like Anderson Ledge and White Island Ledge. The map captures the remote character of these islands, including the smaller, less-frequented Duck Island and Lunging Island, illustrating a landscape of specialized survival and maritime navigation.