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1953 Map of North Bay

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of North Bay
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1972
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1972

About this map

The Atlantic coast and its sheltered lagoons define this 1953 survey of Virginia's shoreline, revealing a landscape of barrier islands and intricate wetlands before extensive modern development. At the heart of the sheet lies the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, protecting a complex network of waterways including North Bay, Ships Bay, and Redhead Bay. The thin barrier of Sand Ridge separates these brackish waters from the Atlantic Ocean, punctuated only by the Little Island Coast Guard Station and scattered Observation Towers.

Inland, small communities like Sigma, Dawley Corners, and Whitus are connected by narrow roads winding through the low-lying Charity Neck. Local life is anchored by landmarks such as Tabernacle Ch and its adjacent Cem, while the coastal economy is marked by places like Sand Bridge and Hill Landing. The map illustrates a transitional period where maritime heritage and early conservation efforts met at the edge of the sea.