1955 Map of Barter Island A-4

About this map

Jago River and the Niguannak River snake through a water-dense landscape of tundra and thaw lakes as they reach the Arctic coast. This mid-century survey by the Army Map Service documents the intricate barrier island and lagoon systems along the Beaufort Sea, a region later managed within the Arctic National Wildlife Range. The coastline is defined by elongated landforms like Jago Spit and Tapkaurak Spit, which create protected waters in the Jago Lagoon and Tapkaurak Lagoon. Geographers and researchers can trace the natural breaks in these barriers, such as Jago Entrance and Oruktalik Entrance, which dictate the coastal flow. Points of land like Martin Point and Griffin Point stand as the few distinct landmarks in this shifting maritime environment, where the John River joins a complex network of seasonal channels and wetland patterns.