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1956 Map of Parris Island

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Parris Island
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1957
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1957

About this map

Parris Island and its storied Marine Recruit Depot dominate this coastal survey, revealing the high-density infrastructure of the US Naval Reservation alongside the expansive wetlands of the Lowcountry. The map details the military footprint of the mid-1950s, from the aviation facilities at Page Field and the central Parade Ground to specialized landmarks like the Dry Dock and Yacht Basin. This military presence is framed by a complex network of tidal passages, including Archers Creek and the Beaufort River.

Beyond the base, the map documents historical settlements and rural landmarks on surrounding islands. To the east, St Helena Island features the Fort Fremont site and Adam Street Ch, while the southern reaches capture the northern tip of Hilton Head Island near Dolphin Head. Local history is preserved in labels for Elliot Cem and the Ribault Monument, while the presence of the C & WC Ry and the Intracostal Waterway highlights the region's transport reliance on both rail and water.