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1918 Map of Rehoboth

Name: 1918 Topographic Map of Rehoboth
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1918
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1918

About this map

Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay dominate this coastal survey, showing the Delaware shoreline before the extensive modern development of the late 20th century. The landscape is defined by a series of distinct necks, including Indian River Neck, Long Neck, and Cedar Neck, which reach into the shallow inland waters. At this time, the barrier beach is a thin strip of sand marked by multiple Coast Guard Stations protecting the treacherous stretch near the Indian River Inlet.

Social life in rural Sussex County is anchored by an incredible density of small schoolhouses, such as Sunshine School, Yellow Hill School, and White Neck School, alongside the Grange Hall and Trinity Church. Inland settlements like Dagsboro, Frankford, and Millville serve as agricultural hubs connected by winding roads through the marshy terrain. The map captures the early footprints of coastal resorts at Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach, well before they became the bustling summer destinations known today.