1953 Map of Matinicus

About this map

Matinicus and Ragged Island anchor this mid-century survey of the outer islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the Maine coast. The map illustrates a remote maritime community reliant on protected anchorages like Matinicus Harbor and Criehaven, where small settlements are clustered near the shore. Topographic details reveal the low-lying terrain of Wooden Ball Island and No Mans Land, while bathymetric soundings trace the hazardous shoals of Zephyr Ledges and Mackerel Ledge. A prominent U S Coast Guard Reservation is located at the southern extreme on Matinicus Rock, marked with a Light to guide mariners through the Matinicus Roads. This 1950s record provides a clear view of the island geography before modern changes, documenting family-named points and coves like Philbrook Cove and Burgess Cove that define this isolated archipelago.