1956 Map of San Nicolas Island

About this map

San Nicolas Island is presented here through fieldwork and aerial photography updated in the mid-1950s. This survey, conducted by the Department of the Army and the Geological Survey, details the isolated terrain of the most remote of the Channel Islands. The landform is characterized by its steep southern escarpments and a plateau-like interior where a significant airfield and road network have been established. Along the shoreline, specific maritime navigational aids are noted, including a Light at the eastern and western extremities. The southern coast is broken by Dutch Harbor, providing one of the few named coastal indentations on the island. The map captures the island during a period of active military use, illustrating the intersection of natural topography and mid-century strategic infrastructure in the Pacific Ocean.