1942 Map of Tangier Island

About this map

Tangier Island stands as a distinct archipelago in the heart of the Tangier Sound, accessible by water and centered around the settlement of Tangier. This 1942 survey detail illustrates the unique linear development of the town, where residents settled along high ground strips such as Main Ridge, West Ridge, and Canton Ridge. The reliance on maritime industry is evident through the naming of Mailboat Harbor and Cod Harbor, alongside numerous waterways like Toms Gut and Oyster Creek that permeate the marshy landscape. To the east and north, the map documents isolated landmasses including Watts Island and Goose Island, highlighting the fragmented geography of the Chesapeake Bay at this time. A solitary Lighthouse and several markers like Light and Spire indicate the navigational landmarks essential for the island's isolated community.