1944 Map of Rio Grande

About this map

Wildwood US Naval Air Station dominates the southern landscape of this Cape May County survey, reflecting the wartime mobilization of the mid-1940s. Along the coast of Delaware Bay, a string of small landings and shore communities like Villas, Del Haven, and Reeds Beach are connected by the Shore Road. Further inland, the map captures the transition from marshy wetlands to established rural settlements such as Rio Grande and Nummytown. Transport infrastructure is critical to the region, evidenced by the Pennsylvania Reading Seashore Lines cutting through the interior and landmarks such as the Wildwood Pumping Sta. Local social foundations are noted at the Fishing Creek School, while specialized coastal industries are hinted at by King Crab Ldg. The survey detail also traces historic family-named paths like Shun Pike and Indian Trail Road.