1954 Map of Bethel C-5

About this map

The Kushluk River and its complex network of tributaries define this mid-century Alaskan landscape, captured during the Army Map Service’s surveying efforts in the 1950s. The terrain is dominated by a transition from wetland lowlands to higher elevations, culminating in the prominent Shining Dome. This interior region is characterized by a high density of thaw lakes and ponds in the north, while the southern reaches show the winding paths of the Akulikutak River and Kasiyuluk River. The lack of established roads or trails during this period highlights the remote nature of the territory, where transport was largely restricted to these river corridors. Additional drainage is provided by the Little Kushluk River and Columbia Creek, which snake through the varied elevation contours to join the larger river systems.