1993 Map of Machias Seal Island

About this map

Machias Seal Island stands as a lonely outpost in this 1993 survey, marking a maritime landscape where the Grand Manan Channel meets the Atlantic Ocean. The map centers on this small landmass and the nearby North Rock, both situated within the Gulf of Maine. Of particular interest to maritime historians and lighthouse enthusiasts is the recorded Lighthouse on the southern portion of the island, a critical navigational aid in a region known for its complex tidal waters and thick fogs. While the surrounding waters are expansive, the map's focus on these specific rocky outcrops highlights their strategic importance. Notably, the collar mentions that a portion of the United States-Canadian boundary in this area was in dispute at the time of editing and is purposefully not shown, reflecting the ongoing geopolitical sensitivities of these remote coastal islands.