1947 Map of Rock Harbor

About this map

Key Largo serves as the central spine of this coastal survey, where the developing Florida Keys landscape is captured during a period of significant growth. The map illustrates the specialized water-dependent geography of the region, anchored by the Intracoastal Waterway slicing through Buttonwood Sound and providing a protected route inside the reef. Established communities like Rock Harbor and Newport are visible along the main transit corridor, supported by local landmarks such as St Margarets Ch and Getman Memorial Ch. To the west, the boundary of Everglades National Park encompasses the intricate island chains of the Swash Keys and Shell Key. The eastern shoreline transitions into the Atlantic Ocean, marked by distinctive features like El Radabob and the offshore Rodriguez Key. This 1947 base, with 1969 photorevisions, highlights the shift from a maritime-dependent island chain to an increasingly residential and recreational destination.