1990 Map of Wilmington

About this map

The Northeast Cape Fear River and Cape Fear River converge at Wilmington, defining a complex coastal landscape of industrial hubs and barrier island communities as they appeared in the 1990s. This USGS survey highlights the strategic importance of the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point alongside the extensive ecological footprint of the Holly Shelter Swamp. The map traces the winding Intracoastal Waterway as it moves past established coastal settlements like Wrightsville Beach, Masonboro, and Carolina Beach. From the inland agricultural reaches near Rocky Point and Castle Hayne to the developed shorelines at Topsail Beach, the map captures the transition between the Atlantic maritime environment and the riverine trade routes that historically built the region. Notable local landmarks like Eagle Island and Carolina Beach State Park are clearly documented among the shifting sands of the many inlets.