1979 Map of Shellman Bluff

About this map

Shellman Bluff and its riverine surroundings are defined by a complex network of coastal waterways and bluffs in this 1979 orthophotomap. The landscape shows a mix of maritime settlement and protected wetlands, featuring the southern reaches of the Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge and large tracts like Contentment Plantation. The transition from land to water is detailed with bathymetric soundings and tidal lines, revealing the intricate paths of the Sapelo River, Julienton River, and the Intracoastal Waterway. Local history is anchored by sites like Shellman Bluff Chapel and settlements at Fairhope and Pine Harbor, while the tidal environment is noted as being an area subject to frequent change. This survey provides a precise look at the Georgia coast before further modern development, documenting family-named bluffs and the commercial importance of the Sapelo Sound during the late 1970s.