1952 Map of Long Island

About this map

Matagorda Island Bombing and Gunnery Range occupies a significant portion of this coastal landscape, reflecting the military's strategic use of the Texas barrier islands during the mid-20th century. This 1952 topographic survey details the intricate estuarine environment of Espiritu Santo Bay and the critical maritime artery of the Intracoastal Waterway. The map captures the complex system of lagoons and wetlands, including Pringle Lake, South Pass Lake, and Contee Lake, which are separated from the Gulf of Mexico by the narrow strip of Matagorda Island. Navigation through these shallow waters is marked by features like Steamboat Pass and South Pass, while landforms such as Long Island and the First Chain of Islands illustrate the shifting sands of the Gulf Coast. Isolated landmarks like a Windmill and a Dock on the mainland edge provide sparse evidence of human activity in this tidal wilderness.