1952 Map of Williamsburg

About this map

William and Mary College and the surrounding restored colonial capital dominate the landscape of the Virginia Peninsula in this early 1950s record. The map captures a moment of significant military presence, with the sprawling Naval Training Station Camp Peary and Naval Supply Depot Cheatham Annex bordering the York River. Modern infrastructure like the Colonial National Historical Parkway and the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad weave through historical landmarks, including the Capitol and the Fort Magruder Ruins. This map reveals the intersection of institutional growth and historical preservation, featuring facilities like the Eastern State Mental Hospital and Bruton Heights School alongside traditional rural corners like Skimino and Oaktree. The intricate network of tidal waterways, such as Queen Creek and Skimino Creek, reflects the coastal geography that shaped the region’s early defensive and commercial importance.