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1956 Map of St. Augustine Beach

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of St. Augustine Beach
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1972
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1972

About this map

Anastasia Island dominates this coastal survey, showcasing a landscape defined by the shifting interface of the Atlantic Ocean and the intricate tidal waters of the Matanzas River. During the mid-1950s, the development of beach communities like St Augustine Beach and Butler Beach was taking shape along the narrow barrier strand, while the inland areas remained characterized by scattered settlements and agricultural tracts. The Florida East Coast rail line and road network parallel the coast, connecting older inland points like Moultrie to the burgeoning waterfront.

Local history is preserved in the placement of several burial grounds, including San Lorenzo Cem and Barnes Mem Cem. The map captures the infrastructure of the Intracoastal Waterway, featuring markers like Lewis Point and Moss Point along the sound. For genealogists and researchers, the transition from established mainland hamlets to mid-century coastal resort developments offers a clear view of Florida's mid-century expansion.