1956 Map of Arctic

About this map

Brooks Range peaks and the high northern valleys of the Philip Smith Mountains dominate this mid-century survey of the Alaskan interior. The landscape is defined by the complex hydrology of the Sagavanirktok River and Canning River flowing toward the Arctic coast, while the Junjik River and Marsh Fork of the Chandalar River carve paths through the southern terrain. Human presence is concentrated near the Venetie Indian Reservation, where the settlement of Arctic Village serves as a remote hub. The map records specific subsistence and travel landmarks including Marten Stand, John Franks Cabins, and various named shelters simply marked as Cabin. Scores of remote lakes such as Old John Lake and Seagull Lake dot the valleys, and the topography is marked by family-named or descriptive summits like Peter John Mtn and Misty Mtn.