1943 Map of San Clemente Island North

About this map

San Clemente Island appears here as a critical military outpost during and after the mid-century, defined by its isolation and strategic naval utility. The northern end of the island is dominated by the Naval Oceanographic Center and a prominent Landing Field positioned across The Isthmus. This narrow corridor separates the Northwest Harbor from the western coastline, where the Shifting Sands meet the surf at West Cove. On the windward side, Wilson Cove serves as a primary point of access, marked by several Lighthouse symbols and infrastructure including a Water Tank. The topography is defined by steep ridges and offshore hazards like Castle Rock and West Rock, illustrating the difficult terrain that kept this portion of Los Angeles County largely restricted to military and scientific operations throughout the era.