1959 Map of Kiawah Island

About this map

Kiawah Island is depicted here in a transitional state during the late 1950s, characterized by its labyrinth of saltwater marshes and tidal channels. The island is separated from Johns Island by the Kiawah River, with the landscape dominated by intricate water bodies like Haulover Cr, Cinder Creek, and Bass Creek. While much of the island remains undeveloped marshland, early infrastructure is visible through names like Vanderhorst Avenue and the oceanfront Ocean Drive. Distinctive landmarks such as Shullbred Point and Eagle Point overlook the interior waterways, while the eastern edge terminates at Sandy Point near Stono Inlet. The presence of purple revision marks indicates 1971 updates to the original 1959 survey, particularly along the road networks like Kiawah Island Rd and Milley Road, reflecting the very beginnings of modern access to this barrier island ecosystem.