1956 Map of Matanzas Inlet

About this map

Fort Matanzas National Monument guards the southern approach to St. Augustine, anchored by the stone fortification at Ft Matanzas on Rattlesnake Island. This mid-century survey captures the coastal geography of the Matanzas Inlet and the Matanzas River before heavy modern development, showing the isolated seaside character of Summer Haven and the early footprint of Marineland along highway a1a. The map meticulously tracks the Intracoastal Waterway as it snakes behind Anastasia Island and Matanzas Island, cutting through marshlands where Artesian Wells and drainage features like Pellicer Creek meet the tidal flats. The boundary between St. Johns and Flagler counties is clearly delineated across the wetlands near Hemming Point, illustrating the transition from open Atlantic coast to complex estuarine environments.