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1957 Map of Small Point

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Small Point
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1960
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1960

About this map

The rocky peninsulas and islands of Phippsburg and Harpswell define this coastal survey of the Midcoast region. Focused on the entrance to the Kennebec River, the map highlights the strategic military significance of the area with U S Mil Res Fort Baldwin and the historic Fort Popham guarding the approach at Popham Beach. The landscape is a complex network of sounds and harbors, including Small Point Harbor and Merriconeag Sound, which supported the local maritime economy.

Offshore, a dense concentration of ledges and islands such as Bailey Island, Ragged Island, and Wood Island are meticulously charted. These features, along with named hazards like Sisters Ground and Charity Ledge, reflect the navigational challenges faced by local mariners and the fishing fleet. The settlement pattern at Small Point and the presence of scattered cemeteries and a Lookout Tower offer a detailed look at the human footprint on this rugged coastline during the mid-20th century.