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1957 Map of South River

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of South River
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1971
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1971

About this map

The tidal landscape of the South River and its labyrinthine creeks dominates this mid-century survey, capturing a period of significant suburban expansion around Annapolis. While the historic state capital occupies the northeastern corner, the map details the burgeoning residential developments of Parole, Admiral Heights, and Edgewater. The transition from agrarian roots to a coastal leisure and commuter economy is evident in the numerous beach communities such as Sylvan Shores, Pine Whiff Beach, and Wild Rose Shores. Inland, the agricultural past remains visible through landmarks like All Hallows Ch and Hopes Chapel.

Transportation networks define the era, with the Baltimore and Annapolis RR and the Defense Highway connecting the region to the larger Baltimore-Washington corridor. Specialized infrastructure like the Maryland Lee Airport and the Gaging Sta on the North Branch reflect the mid-century's technological and developmental focus. From the densely gridded streets of West Annapolis to the scattered points and islands of the Rhode River, this document tracks the evolving shoreline of Anne Arundel County.