1956 Map of New Smyrna Beach

About this map

New Smyrna Beach and its intricate surrounding waterways define this mid-century coastal landscape, recorded during a period of steady expansion between the 1950s and the late 1970s. The map illustrates a complex network of coastal inlets and cuts, such as Chicken Island Cut and Sheephead Cut, which support the local maritime economy. The historical Florida East Coast railway runs parallel to the coast, anchoring settlements like Isleboro and Mission City. On the northern barrier island, the presence of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and the U S Coast Guard Reservation Lighthouse marks the vital entrance to the Halifax River. Local educational and civic life is anchored by landmarks like Chisolm High Sch and the New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport, while the southern reaches show the early residential footprints of Edgewater.