1954 Map of Sandy Hook

About this map

Fort Hancock and the Sandy Hook Lighthouse anchor the northern tip of the narrow peninsula, marking a critical strategic point at the entrance to the Lower Bay. The landscape is defined by its deep maritime and military heritage, featuring multiple defense installations including the U S Naval Reservation (Earle Ammunition Depot) and the US Army Reservation Highlands Army Air Defense. Along the southern coastline of the Sandy Hook Bay, established communities such as Leonardo, Belford, and Keansburg show dense residential development, while the interior hills of Middletown and Navesink maintain a different character with landmarks like Mount Mitchill and High Point Chapel. The intricate network of tidal waters, including Spermaceti Cove and Horseshoe Cove, illustrates the dynamic nature of this coastal environment before the later expansions of the Gateway National Recreation Area.