1943 Map of San Clemente Island South

About this map

The southern tip of San Clemente Island is dominated by the Naval Ocean Systems Center San Clemente Island Facility, a site that highlights the strategic military importance of this Channel Island. Topography from 1943 reveals a coastline defined by dramatic elevation changes and isolated maritime landmarks, including a Lighthouse perched near the southeastern extremity. The island's perimeter is marked by distinct geographical features such as China Point to the south and the sheltering waters of Pyramid Cove and Mosquito Cove along the eastern shore. This document captures the transition of the island from its early 1940s topography to later 20th-century revisions, preserving the locations of critical navigational aids like Pyramid Head and White Rock during an era of significant naval presence.