1949 Map of Pardon Island

About this map

John F Kennedy Space Center (NASA) territory occupies the lower portion of this coastal survey, highlighting the strategic military and scientific importance of this stretch of the Florida coastline. Originally mapped in 1949 and photorevised in 1970, the map illustrates the intricate barrier island ecosystem where the Atlantic Ocean meets the labyrinthine waters of the Mosquito Lagoon. The landscape is dominated by tidal marshes and small landmasses such as Pardon Island, Three Cabbage Island, and the named points of Scorpion and Pardon. These features are separated by a complex network of waterways including Pardon Slough, Widgeon Bay, and a man-made Ditch, reflecting a period of transition as the area became increasingly dedicated to aerospace operations. The boundary between Volusia Co and Brevard Co bisects the islands, providing a clear reference for local historical and jurisdictional research.