1958 Map of Sanibel

About this map

Sanibel Island appears in a moment of transition, balancing its wild origins with mid-century development. The J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge dominates the interior, preserving the complex network of the Sanibel Bayou and Tarpon Bay. Along the eastern shore, the village of Sanibel shows early residential expansion, supported by local landmarks like the Sanibel Sch and the historic Sanibel Island Lighthouse at Point Ybel. To the north, St James City sits at the tip of Pine Island, separated from the mainland by the waters of San Carlos Bay. The presence of a Landing Field and a Toll road leading toward Punta Rassa reflects the evolving accessibility of the island before it became the modern destination known today.