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1956 Map of Kittery

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Kittery
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1962
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1962

About this map

The Piscataqua River forms a complex maritime boundary in this mid-century survey, separating the bustling Portsmouth waterfront from the coastal reaches of Kittery. This era of the landscape is defined by its deep-rooted military and naval significance, anchored by the expansive Portsmouth Naval Base on Seavey Island. Strategic defenses line the coast, including Fort Constitution and US Naval Res (Fort Stark) guarding the mouth of Little Harbor, while US Mil Res (Fort Dearborn) occupies the rocky headlands near Odiornes Point.

Inland, the map reveals a transition toward suburban and recreational growth, with the Maine Turnpike (Toll) and Blue Star Memorial Highway cutting through the northern woods. Local landmarks such as the Drive-in Theater near Wilson Brook and the Wentworth Golf Club reflect the mid-century leisure economy, even as older rural signatures like the Shapleigh Sch and numerous unnamed family cemeteries remain. The intricate coastline is dotted with smaller settlements like Kittery Point and Seabury, connected by narrow roads winding around Spruce Creek and Brave Boat Harbor.