Titled “Cape May,” this US Geological Survey map presents the southern tip of New Jersey at a precise 1:24,000 scale, published in 1972 from survey data gathered in 1954. That gap between observation and publication gives the sheet a layered historical quality: it captures Cape May before later waves of coastal development, yet appears in the mature, standardized style of mid-century federal cartography. The map centers on Cape May itself, the celebrated resort city known for its Victorian architecture, beachfront promenades, and historic district, while extending outward to Cape May Point, West Cape May, Villas, Wildwood, Delaware Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. It is both a technical document and a portrait of a coastal community poised between maritime heritage, tourism, and environmental change.

The US Geological Survey, established in 1879, became one of the defining cartographic institutions of the United States, producing maps that served science, infrastructure, resource management, navigation, and public planning. Its topographic quadrangles are admired for their clarity and discipline: nothing is ornamental without purpose, yet the cumulative effect is visually elegant. On this Cape May sheet, the USGS method is unmistakable—contour lines articulate subtle elevation changes, blue waterways trace canals, bays, marshes, and ocean edges, while road networks and built-up areas reveal the human pattern along the shore. Color-coding distinguishes land, water, vegetation, and urban features, creating a readable, authoritative composition that reflects the agency’s commitment to accuracy and civic utility.

Cape May occupies one of the most distinctive geographic positions on the eastern seaboard, where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The map’s coastline, beachfront areas, marshlands, and tidal waters reveal a landscape shaped by currents, storms, sediment, and migration. The Cape May Canal cuts across the peninsula, a significant navigational feature connecting the bay and ocean sides and underscoring the region’s maritime function. Beach Avenue and Sunset Boulevard appear as more than streets; they are axes of recreation, settlement, and scenic movement through the resort landscape. Schellenger’s Landing, long associated with fishing and boating activity, anchors the working-waterfront side of Cape May’s identity, complementing the city’s better-known leisure and architectural heritage.

The topographic character of the region is subtle but important. Unlike mountainous interiors, Cape May’s drama lies in low elevations, shorelines, wetlands, and the fine distinctions between dry land, marsh, beach, and open water. The contour lines are restrained, yet they convey the vulnerability and complexity of a coastal plain exposed to tides and storms. Vegetation markings and wetland symbology help identify the ecological richness surrounding Cape May Point and adjacent parkland, likely including what is now associated with Cape May Point State Park. These natural areas are especially significant in a region renowned for bird migration, coastal habitats, and the meeting of freshwater, brackish, and marine environments at New Jersey’s southern edge.

Seen today, “Cape May” is a compelling record of a resort landscape in transition. Since the 1954 survey, the area has experienced intensified tourism, residential growth, preservation efforts, shoreline management, and environmental pressure from coastal change. Wildwood, Villas, West Cape May, and Cape May Point each occupy their own place in this regional story, from beachfront recreation to quieter residential and ecological zones. The map preserves the spatial relationships among roads, neighborhoods, parks, canals, marshes, and shorelines at a moment before later development reshaped parts of the coast. Its restrained USGS design makes the historical evidence especially persuasive: a scientific map that now reads as a richly detailed portrait of mid-twentieth-century Cape May.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Cape May
• Cape May Point
• West Cape May
• Villas
• Wildwood
• Delaware Bay
• Atlantic Ocean
• Cape May Canal
• Beach Avenue
• Sunset Boulevard
• Schellenger’s Landing
• State Park, likely Cape May Point State Park
• Various streets and residential areas within Cape May
• Coastline and beachfront areas
• Marshlands and nearby water bodies
• Prominent parks and recreational areas

Historical context & cartographic details

• Produced by the US Geological Survey, also known as USGS
• Historical 1:24,000 topographical map of Cape May and the surrounding area
• Based on survey data from 1954 and published in 1972
• The USGS was established in 1879 and is known for scientific research and mapping related to natural resources, hazards, and environmental management
• Features Cape May, a resort city known for Victorian architecture, beaches, and its historic district
• Clean, functional USGS topographic design with color-coding to distinguish land types and urban areas
• Includes contour lines showing elevation changes
• Depicts water bodies, vegetation areas, coastline, marshlands, and surrounding coastal features
• Reflects historical changes in Cape May, including urban development, tourism growth, and environmental change along the coast since publication

Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.

Detailed 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.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.

Every 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.

With 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 rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.