1965 Map of Wallops Island

About this map

The Wallops Flight Center (NASA) dominates this coastal survey, highlighting the intersection of aerospace technology and the fragile barrier island ecosystem of the mid-1960s. Scientific infrastructure is scattered along the coast, including a Weather Station, Radio Towers, and multiple Launch Pads situated directly behind the Beach. This industrial presence contrasts sharply with the nearby protected landscapes of the Assateague Island National Seashore and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The map details a complex hydrographic environment of tidal flats and winding channels like Island Hole Narrows and Cat Creek. Soundings in the Atlantic Ocean and Chincoteague Inlet provide depth data essential for navigating these shifting sands, while landmarks such as the Water Tank and Lookout Tower serve as points of reference for the early space program facilities.