Harbors of Sheffield Island and Cawkins Island
PublisherPublished by
United States Coast Survey
(American, founded 1807)
SurveyorUnder the direction of
Ferdinand Rudolph Hassler
(American, 1770 - 1843)
SurveyorUnder the direction of
Alexander Dallas Bache
(American, 1806 - 1867)
SurveyorTriangulation by
Edmund Blunt
(American, 1799 - 1866)
SurveyorTopography by
Constant M. Eakin
(French-American, 1794 - 1870)
SurveyorHydrography by
George S. Blake
(American, 1802 - 1871)
PrintmakerEngraved by
S. T. Pettit
Date1848
MediumEngraving; printer's ink on wove paper
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 14 x 17 1/4in. (35.6 x 43.8cm)
Platemark (height x width): 17 3/4 x 20 3/4in. (45.1 x 52.7cm)
Sheet (height x width): 18 1/2 x 23 1/8in. (47 x 58.7cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineGift of the Charleston Library Society
Object number1995.205.1
DescriptionTwo separate charts, side by side, of the coast of Norwalk, Connecticut, and the harbors of Sheffield Island and Cawkins Island. The mouth of the Five Mile River appears on the chart of Sheffield Island along with Butler's Island, Norroton [sic] Point, Tavern Island, and White Rock. The lighthouse on Sheffield Island is shown. The nature of the terrain is indicated; elevation is indicated by hachure marks. The mouth of the Saugatuck River appears on the chart of Caulkins Island, along with Sprite Island, Cedar Point, Calf Pasture Island, Chimman's Island, Betts Island, Hay Island, Goose Island, and Copsy's Island. Soundings are expressed in feet up to eighteen feet. Sailing directions for the anchorages under both islands are given.
Label TextCoasting vessels outside Norwalk Harbor could have used these charts to find a safe anchorage. The anchorage at Sheffield Island is described as "an excellent harbor in all weathers for vessels drawing under 10 feet." Cawkins Island provided less protection. "South-easterly gales cause a heavy swell in this harbor, but the holding ground is good, being a mixture of soft mud and sand." The depth was fourteen to seventeen feet.
NotesCartographic Note: Scale 1/20,000Status
Not on view
