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1894 Map of Sea Isle

Name: 1894 Topographic Map of Sea Isle
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1921
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1921

About this map

Sea Isle City and the barrier islands of Cape May County are shown during a formative period of coastal development, based on 1880s surveys. The landscape is defined by the intricate maze of tidal thoroughfares and sounds, including Corson Sound, Ludlam Bay, and Townsend Sound, which separate the mainland settlements of Seaville and Ocean View from the Atlantic.

Critical infrastructure for early residents and maritime safety is evident in the string of Life Saving stations, such as L.S. Station Corson Inlet and L.S. Station Townsend Inlet. Transport to these growing resort areas was anchored by the West Jersey Railroad Sea Isle and Ocean City Branch, which spanned the salt marshes and creeks like Beach Creek to connect the islands. The map provides a precise view of the coastline before extensive modern infill, preserving the original footprints of Pecks Beach and Ludlam Beach.