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1958 Map of Matlacha

Name: 1958 Topographic Map of Matlacha
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

Cape Coral and the surrounding coastal landscape of Lee County are shown in a transitional state, blending the natural mangrove environments of Matlacha Pass with emerging residential development. The 1972 revisions, indicated in purple, illustrate the rapid expansion of suburban infrastructure, featuring the characteristic canal systems and street grids that began to define the region north of the Pine Island Road. In contrast, the western portion of the map remains a complex network of keys and tidal creeks, including Big Smokehouse Key and Bird Rookery Keys.

Cultural landmarks like the Pine Island Ch and the Pine Island Lookout Tower sit near the bridge to Matlacha, a small settlement established on the islands. The presence of Indian Field and named hammocks like Tippen Hammock provides a record of the landscape before more recent urbanization. This survey captures the delicate balance between the subtropical waters of Charlotte Harbor and the planned growth of the Florida coast.