1949 Aruba & Curaçao Nautical Chart
DESCRIPTION
This British Admiralty nautical chart, published in 1949 with small corrections added through 1956, presents detailed coastal surveys of Aruba and Curaçao based on Netherlands Government mapping. The chart is divided into two panels, each devoted to one of the islands, and provides mid twentieth century hydrographic information for two of the most strategically and commercially active ports in the southern Caribbean.
Hydrographic Detail and Nearshore Navigation
Both island panels feature dense depth soundings in fathoms with shoals, reefs, and coastal contours carefully plotted along their leeward and windward shores. Around Aruba, soundings extend into the approaches to Oranjestad and the industrial facilities near San Nicolas Bay, with particular emphasis on shallow ridges and coral heads along the island’s western coastline. A large compass rose aids in plotting bearings.
The Curaçao panel records the island’s long, narrow form with soundings highlighting the deep waters close to shore. The sheltered Schottegat and the approaches to Willemstad are clearly indicated along with the adjacent reef systems and narrow bays typical of Curaçao’s southern coast. A second compass rose appears near the center of the chart. Navigational buoys, leading lines, and lights are marked for both islands, but no pasted-on correction slips accompany this edition.
Topography and Coastal Features
Shaded relief illustrates the volcanic hills and undulating landscapes of Aruba and Curaçao. Major settlements such as Oranjestad, San Nicolas, and Willemstad are identified along with outlying villages, coastal promontories, lagoons, and inlets. The internal drainage patterns, ridges, and elevated areas are shown with contour hachures, lending clarity to the islands’ topographic form. Offshore islands including Klein Curaçao appear with their own soundings and reef outlines.
Historical Context
During the period covered by this edition and its mid century corrections, Aruba and Curaçao were important territories within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Their harbors played a central role in regional shipping and in the petroleum industry, particularly through the large refineries and fuel export facilities established during the early twentieth century. Curaçao’s deep natural harbor at Willemstad and Aruba’s rapidly industrializing southern coast made accurate nautical charting essential for heavy tanker traffic and coastal navigation. Continued corrections through 1956 reflect improvements in port facilities, updated navigational aids, and increased maritime activity during the postwar era.
CONDITION
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