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1904 Map of North Point

Name: 1904 Topographic Map of North Point
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1928
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1928

About this map

The industrial and maritime activity along the Patapsco River and Chesapeake Bay defines this early twentieth-century landscape. At Sparrows Point, the presence of Chesapeake Mills and a sprawling rail network belonging to the P. R. R. illustrates the importance of the steel and shipping industries to the Maryland shoreline. Strategic coastal defense is prominent at the mouth of the river, with Fort Howard and Fort Smallwood guarding the approaches to Baltimore.

The map reveals a transition from industrial hubs to more isolated shoreline communities and large estates. Across the water, Gibson Island and Kent Island show traditional landing points like Kent Island Landing, while the eastern shore includes the small settlements of Gratitude and Rockhall Landing. Interior regions like Hog Neck and St. Margarets are sparsely developed, dominated by numerous creeks and coves such as Bodkin Creek and Magothy Narrows, which provided vital water access for local residents before modern road networks were established.