1950 Map of San Clemente Island South

About this map

Pyramid Head and China Point define the southern extremes of this California island, as recorded during a mid-century survey by the Army Map Service and the Geological Survey. The landscape is characterized by sharp elevation changes and coastal indentations, most notably the wide arc of Pyramid Cove and the smaller Mosquito Cove to the northwest. Navigational markers such as the Lighthouse near the southern tip indicate the island's maritime significance. Several high points are identified by specific survey markers, including Thirst 1965, Gray 1681, and Rest 1336, which reflect the meticulous topographic work based on 1943 aerial photography. These labels provide a precise record of the island's southern terrain before later 20th-century developments, focusing on the natural geography and essential maritime aids of the era.