Published following the conclusion of World War II, this map of Vieques, Puerto Rico shows topographical features, and the island was an important US Naval Base that contributed to the Allies efforts in the Atlantic theater. The island lies to the eastern shore of mainland Puerto Rico and is only twenty miles from tip to tip. The US Navy expanded the Roosevelt Road Naval Station from mainland Puerto Rico to Vieques in 1941. The base remained in operation after the war ended for military exercises and as a ballistic testing location. The military withdrew its presence from the island in 2003 after protests regarding the ecological impact of the missile testing.
Known for white-sand beaches and clear blue water, the island enjoys a thriving tourism economy in the modern era, but at the time of this production, its economy was primarily driven by agriculture, particularly sugarcane farming. This map depicts the neighborhoods that make up the island, and the accuracy of the topographic features stand out.
The United States annexed Puerto Rico from Spain in 1898 following the Treaty of Paris in the aftermath of the Spanish-American War. Vieques’ economy was almost entirely dependent on sugarcane production at the beginning of the 20th century. The island is perhaps most well known for its unique, bioluminescent bays that glow in the evening and attract tourists from across the globe. The Spanish built Fuerte de Vieques was completed in 1845 and is a striking artifact of colonial architecture.
Our museum quality giclee print comes printed with archival ink on premium heavyweight matte paper. Shipped in a sturdy cardboard tube your print will arrive ready to be framed. This eye-catching vintage map reproduction print makes the perfect gift for anyone that loves history and imagery.
