Published in 1987 from original survey work completed in 1964, the US Geological Survey’s “Deltaville” presents a finely resolved 1:24,000 portrait of Virginia’s Middle Peninsula where land, river, and bay meet in intricate succession. The sheet centers on Deltaville, a maritime community poised between the broad Rappahannock River and the waters feeding Chesapeake Bay. Its topographic language is both practical and elegant: contour lines describe subtle coastal elevations, while depth markings in surrounding bays reveal the navigable character of this tidal landscape. The result is a map that captures not only a place, but a way of life shaped by shorelines, creeks, coves, and open water.

Deltaville’s geography is dominated by its peninsular setting, and this map gives unusual prominence to the region’s watery framework. Fishing Bay, Godfrey Bay, Pienna Bay, Mobjack Bay, and the wider Chesapeake system create a lacework of inlets and passages around the town. Gwynn’s Island appears nearby, emphasizing the close relationship between mainland settlements and island communities along Virginia’s coast. The Rappahannock River, one of the great estuarine rivers of the Chesapeake watershed, forms a defining presence, broad and navigable, carrying ecological and commercial importance. Roads, trails, survey points, and shoreline contours show how settlement adapted to the limitations and opportunities of tidal terrain.

The US Geological Survey, founded in 1879, became one of the world’s most respected producers of scientific cartography, and this map reflects its disciplined approach to measuring the American landscape. Unlike decorative maps intended primarily for display, USGS quadrangles were made for exact knowledge: fieldwork, elevation measurement, hydrographic data, and standardized symbols combined into a coherent visual system. In “Deltaville,” that system proves especially effective because the terrain is low, complex, and interwoven with water. Small changes in elevation matter in such a coastal environment, and the contour lines reveal the quiet undulations of land that might otherwise appear visually flat or indistinct.

As a historical document, the map offers a valuable view of Deltaville before later decades of development, changing waterfront use, and environmental pressure reshaped portions of the Chesapeake region. The 1964 survey data preserves mid-twentieth-century patterns of roads, settlement, land cover, and shoreline access, while the 1987 publication places that information within a later cartographic framework. For collectors, researchers, and those with ties to Virginia’s tidewater country, it provides a compelling reference point for tracing urbanization, marina development, coastal erosion, and shifts in rural land use. The map’s bays and river margins also speak to fishing, boating, and boatbuilding traditions long associated with Deltaville.

Visually, the map’s restrained palette of pastels and earth tones gives clarity to a complex coastal scene. Land and water are carefully differentiated, while contours, soundings, roads, and place names remain legible without overwhelming the composition. This balance is characteristic of the best USGS topographic sheets: scientific precision softened by an understated aesthetic appeal. The surrounding waters are not mere background; they are mapped as active terrain, with depths and shorelines forming a maritime counterpart to the elevations on land. “Deltaville” is therefore both a technical survey and a graceful record of a Chesapeake-edge community, capturing the delicate meeting of Virginia’s settled countryside and tidal world.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Deltaville
• Fishing Bay
• Godfrey Bay
• Pienna Bay
• Mobjack Bay
• Gwynn's Island
• Urbanna
• Rappahannock River
• Chesapeake Bay
• Multiple trails and roads
• Landmarks and survey points indicated on the map

Historical context & cartographic details

• Produced by the US Geological Survey, a U.S. government scientific agency known for detailed topographic and geological mapping.
• Originally surveyed in 1964 and published in 1987.
• Historical 1:24,000 topographical map of Deltaville, Virginia, and the surrounding coastal area.
• Based on survey data, providing a detailed representation of local geography.
• Shows elevation through topographic contour lines.
• Includes water depths in the surrounding bays, reflecting the area’s maritime character.
• Combines land elevation and marine depth information to clarify both terrain and waterways.
• Useful for understanding changes in land use, urbanization, and environmental conditions in the Deltaville area over time.
• Uses a blend of pastels and earth tones to distinguish land and water features clearly.

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.