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1956 Map of Portland East

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Portland East
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1958
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1958

About this map

Casco Bay islands and the burgeoning coastal suburbs of Falmouth and South Portland dominate this mid-century survey. The landscape is defined by its maritime defense and education history, featuring Fort McKinley on Great Diamond Island and the US Naval Reservation on Long Island. These installations, alongside Fort Preble and the US Naval Reserve Training Center near Spring Point, reflect the area's strategic importance during and after the World Wars.

Coastal communities such as Falmouth Foreside and Cottage Farm show a transition toward residential growth, supported by local institutions like the Pine Grove Sch and St Marys Ch. The intricate shoreline is marked by numerous landings, including York Landing and Waites Landing, which once served as vital links between the mainland and the island settlements of Peaks Island and Cushing Island. Navigational markers like the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and Ram Island Ledge Light remain critical for vessels navigating the Whitehead Passage and Hussey Sound.