1949 Map of Sebastian

About this map

Pelican Island Bird Sanctuary anchors this 1949 study of the Florida coastline, representing a critical wildlife haven amid the developing barrier islands. The landscape is defined by the broad expanse of the Indian River and the Intracoastal Waterway, which separate mainland settlements like Roseland and Sebastian from the Atlantic shore. Transportation and infrastructure are central to the area's mid-century character, with the Florida East Coast Railway and the Florida Central and West Coast Railroad running parallel to the coast. These rail lines supported small communities such as Cummings and Wabasso, while the Roseland Airport and the Airway Beacon reflect the era's growing aviation needs. The map captures an intricate network of coastal hydrology, from the Sebastian Inlet to the many named islands and holes like Collins Hole and Preachers Hole, showing the region just before the significant modern residential expansion.