1953 Map of Wanchese

About this map

Roanoke Island anchors this mid-century coastal survey, showing the southern portion of the island where the fishing and maritime traditions of Wanchese are deeply established. At the center of the settlement, Bethany Ch and a nearby Cem reflect the community's local roots, while Baumtown sits just to the north along the island's interior roads. The map illustrates a complex aquatic landscape where the Croatan Sound meets the Pamlico Sound, mediated by the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and the vast Roanoke Marsh to the west. This era predates significant modern development on Nags Head, focusing instead on the intricate network of tidal waters like Baum Creek, Oyster Creek, and Bush Bay. The hydrography, derived from surveys dating as far back as 1873, captures the shifting nature of these Outer Banks waters and their vital role in local navigation.