1949 Map of Tropic

About this map

Patrick Air Force Base dominates the northern reaches of this coastal survey, highlighting the significant military presence along the Space Coast during the mid-20th century. Situated on the barrier island between the Banana River and the Atlantic Ocean, the map documents the rapid expansion of residential areas through purple-tinted updates. Settlements like South Patrick, Satellite Beach, and Indian Harbour Beach illustrate the post-war development boom that transformed this narrow strip of land. Across the Indian River on Merritt Island, smaller landmarks such as the Drive-in Theater and the community of Tropic provide a more local perspective of the era's landscape. The inclusion of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Eau Gallie Bridge emphasizes the importance of maritime and automotive connectivity for these growing beach communities.