Loading map...

1906 Map of Williamsburg

Name: 1906 Topographic Map of Williamsburg
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1917
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1917

About this map

The York River dominates this Tidewater landscape, serving as a primary artery for the Steamboat Route that connected the colonial-era capital at Williamsburg and the historic county seat at Gloucester during the early twentieth century. This survey preserves a unique record of the region's long memory, documenting several sites in decay including the Church Hill Petsworth Church (Ruins), Fort Magruder Ruins, and the legendary Powhatans House Ruins near the riverbanks.

Inland, a dense network of swampy bottoms like Meadow Swamp and Whiteman Swamp breaks up the farmsteads and rural landings. The map captures an era where local economy relied on small water-access points like Moodys Old Wharf and specialized mills such as Deacons Mill. Parish life is anchored by significant structures including Abingdon Church and Ware Church, while maritime safety is marked by the Bells Rock L H and Pages Rock L H lighthouses guiding vessels through the complex shoals and points.