{"product_id":"old-map-of-kiawah-island-south-carolina-by-usgs-1943-atlantic-ocean-coastal-marshlands","title":"Old Map of Kiawah Island, South Carolina by USGS, 1943 – Atlantic Ocean \u0026 Coastal Marshlands","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe “Kiawah Island Quadrangle,” published by the United States Geological Survey in 1943, presents one of South Carolina’s most evocative barrier-island landscapes at the precise 1:24,000 scale. Centered on Kiawah Island and its Atlantic-facing shore, the map captures a coastline defined by surf, sand, tidal creeks, and low-lying marsh. At this date, Kiawah remained largely undeveloped, long before its later transformation into a celebrated resort and residential destination. The sheet therefore preserves a striking historical view of a coastal environment in which natural systems dominate the human footprint. Roads, trails, watercourses, and shorelines are rendered with the disciplined clarity of USGS mapping, offering both geographic precision and a quietly beautiful record of a changing Lowcountry island.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreated by the US Geological Survey, the map reflects the agency’s authoritative approach to documenting American terrain, water, and land use. By the 1940s, USGS quadrangles had become essential tools for government planners, engineers, scientists, and land managers, combining practical utility with cartographic refinement. The Kiawah Island sheet belongs to this tradition of standardized topographic mapping, in which contour lines, hydrographic detail, symbols, and color gradations work together to translate the landscape into a legible visual language. Although the island’s elevations are subtle, the topographic treatment is especially revealing: even small changes in ground level matter profoundly in a tidal environment shaped by storms, erosion, marsh expansion, and the movement of sand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKiawah Island itself is the central subject, shown as a delicate barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and the sheltered marshes and waterways of the South Carolina coast. The map’s coastal features speak to the dynamism of the region: beaches, inlets, tidal flats, and wetlands form a landscape that is never truly fixed. Marshlands appear not as empty spaces, but as essential geographic structures, defining access, drainage, habitat, and settlement patterns. The contrast between firm land and watery margins gives the map much of its visual and historical power. It documents a place where ecology governs geography, and where the relationship between ocean, island, and estuary is the dominant organizing force.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1943 date lends the map particular historical resonance. During the Second World War, accurate topographic information was of heightened national importance, especially along the American coastline. While this sheet is not overtly military in presentation, it belongs to an era when coastal knowledge carried strategic as well as civic value. At the same time, the map offers a revealing pre-development portrait of Kiawah Island, before the expansion of modern roads, resorts, golf courses, and residential communities altered the island’s appearance and land use. Its depiction of sparse infrastructure and extensive natural terrain allows modern viewers to compare past and present, tracing the environmental and cultural transformation of a prized Atlantic barrier island.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a cartographic object, the “Kiawah Island Quadrangle” is compelling because it balances scientific exactitude with the quiet drama of coastal geography. The USGS style avoids ornament, yet its restrained symbolism allows the Lowcountry landscape to emerge with remarkable clarity: ocean frontage, tidal creeks, marsh boundaries, island interiors, and routes of movement all become part of a coherent geographic portrait. For collectors interested in South Carolina, coastal ecology, barrier islands, or the history of American topographic mapping, this map offers a richly informative window into Kiawah before its modern identity took shape. It is both a practical survey and a historical document, preserving the contours of a vulnerable, beautiful, and continually evolving shoreline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCities, towns and places on this map\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKiawah Island\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAtlantic Ocean\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVarious marshlands and coastal features\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoads and trails\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUndeveloped land areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistorical context \u0026amp; cartographic details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePublished by the US Geological Survey as the \u003cstrong\u003eKiawah Island Quadrangle\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHistorical 1:24,000 topographical map of Kiawah Island, South Carolina and the surrounding area, dated 1943.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighlights Kiawah Island’s beaches, natural habitats, and adjacent Atlantic coastline.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUses standardized USGS topographic representation, including contour lines and color gradations to show landforms and water bodies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShows coastal features, marshlands, and land-use patterns, contrasting developed and natural areas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides insight into 1943 land use and environmental features, including later changes from urban development and habitat alteration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLooking for a particular place?\u003c\/strong\u003e Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/fr\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eask our workshop to check before you order\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDetailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/fr\/pages\/map-personalisation\"\u003eSee personalised map examples\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/fr\/collections\/all-old-vintage-antique-maps\"\u003erare old and vintage maps\u003c\/a\u003e to discover another place, period or style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815458640256,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815458673024,"sku":null,"price":202.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815458705792,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815458738560,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815458771328,"sku":null,"price":202.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815458804096,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815458836864,"sku":null,"price":121.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815458869632,"sku":null,"price":269.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815458902400,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815458935168,"sku":null,"price":141.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815458967936,"sku":null,"price":308.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815459000704,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815459033472,"sku":null,"price":160.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815459066240,"sku":null,"price":461.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815459099008,"sku":null,"price":519.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815459131776,"sku":null,"price":141.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815459164544,"sku":null,"price":308.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815459197312,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815459230080,"sku":null,"price":169.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815459262848,"sku":null,"price":461.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815459295616,"sku":null,"price":519.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815459328384,"sku":null,"price":169.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815459361152,"sku":null,"price":461.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815459393920,"sku":null,"price":519.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815459426688,"sku":null,"price":221.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815459459456,"sku":null,"price":634.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815459492224,"sku":null,"price":634.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815459524992,"sku":null,"price":221.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815459557760,"sku":null,"price":634.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815459590528,"sku":null,"price":634.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815459623296,"sku":null,"price":317.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815459656064,"sku":null,"price":1469.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815459688832,"sku":null,"price":1383.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815459721600,"sku":null,"price":480.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815459754368,"sku":null,"price":1786.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815459787136,"sku":null,"price":1680.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815459819904,"sku":null,"price":586.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815459852672,"sku":null,"price":2688.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815459885440,"sku":null,"price":2496.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815459918208,"sku":null,"price":1085.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815459950976,"sku":null,"price":3792.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815459983744,"sku":null,"price":3600.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_bdc8f439-98a1-4a63-ac50-182e61d95fd8.jpg?v=1788121697","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.ca\/fr\/products\/old-map-of-kiawah-island-south-carolina-by-usgs-1943-atlantic-ocean-coastal-marshlands","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}