1943 Map of Saxis

About this map

Saxis Island and the intricate coastal wetlands of the Pocomoke Sound define this 1943 survey conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The map illustrates a landscape where land and water are inextricably linked, showing the transition from the Pocomoke River down through Jollys Neck and into the expansive Michael Marsh. Inland, small agrarian and maritime settlements like Shelltown, Grotons, and Sanford are connected by narrow roads, with local life centered around institutions such as the Pocomoke Church, Halls Chapel, and a rural Free school. The presence of numerous landings, including Shad Landing and Flag Pond Ldg, suggests a heavy reliance on the surrounding sounds and creeks for transportation and livelihood. The cartography provides a clear picture of the Maryland and Virginia border as it cuts through the marshes, marking the boundary between Somerset Co and Accomack Co.