1956 Map of Port Norris

About this map

Port Norris and the surrounding marshlands of Downe and Commercial townships define this coastal reach during the mid-20th century. The oyster-fishing economy is physically manifest in the riverside settlements of Bivalve and Shell Pile, where a wharf and specialized ditching like Sanitary Ditch supported the local industry. The map captures a high level of community detail, including St Anthonys Ch, Wesley Ch, and the Brown Sch, alongside a complex network of waterways such as Dividing Creek and Maurice River. The transition from the developed village to the vast Maurice River Cove is marked by expansive Tidal Flats and protected areas like the State Hunting and Fishing Grounds, providing a look at the ecological and industrial balance of the Delaware Bay shoreline.