1950 Map of Bendeleben D-4

About this map

The Continental Divide winds through this northern landscape, marking a vital watershed boundary within the Northwest Arctic Borough. This mid-century survey, based on aerial photography from 1949 and 1950, documents the drainage patterns of the Goodhope River and Cripple River as they flow through what was later designated as the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. The map identifies the Cottonwood River (Site) and various family or landmark-named peaks, including VABM Humboldt 191 and VABM Hoodlum 1239. These geodetic control stations, along with the distant reference to the Rainbow Camp Landing Strip 30 Mi., highlight the logistical challenges of surveying and navigating this subarctic terrain before modern infrastructure. Numerous seasonal tributaries like Eagle Creek, Snow Creek, and Fallowpot Creek illustrate a complex hydrological network.