1949 Map of Naushon Island

About this map

Naushon Island and the surrounding Elizabeth Islands appear here in their post-war state, defined by a sparse network of dirt paths like Main Road and North Road. This 1940s landscape is dominated by interior woodlands and a series of kettle ponds, including Money Pond and Westend Pond, which reflect the glacial history of the archipelago. On the island's southeastern shore, the Tarpaulin Cove Lighthouse stands as a critical navigational aid for vessels transiting the deep waters between Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. Across the sound, the map captures a portion of Marthas Vineyard within the town of Chilmark, showing the transition from the Western Hills down to coastal features like Cape Higgon and Harlock Pond. The separation of these landmasses by the tidal currents of Robinsons Hole emphasizes the maritime isolation of the smaller islands during this era.