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1917 Map of Mathews

Name: 1917 Topographic Map of Mathews
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1919
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1919

About this map

Mathews stands as the hub of a landscape deeply shaped by the Chesapeake Bay and its many inlets during this 1916 survey. The map details a complex maritime economy where steam travel was vital, specifically noting the Steamboat Route navigating the open waters of Mobjack Bay. Local life is anchored by numerous wharves, such as Williams Wharf and Roanes Wharf, which served as the primary connection points for isolated neck communities like Potato Neck and Lilleys Neck.

Historically significant sites are scattered throughout the county, including the Fort Nonsense (Ruins) and the Old Fort near Cricket Hill. For those tracing local family roots, the map provides precise locations for social centers like the Battery School, Westville School, and Salem Church. Small post offices and landings like Lady P O and Bohannon illustrate the dispersed nature of Tidewater Virginia settlements before modern highway expansion shifted the area's development away from the shoreline.