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1954 Map of Bethel D-8

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Bethel D-8
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1972
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1972

About this map

The Kuskokwim River dominates the landscape of this mid-century subarctic environment, defining the eastern edge of the community of Bethel. This period shows the town in transition, serving as a critical regional hub as evidenced by the dual presence of the Bethel Municipal Airport and the Bethel Airforce Station. The surrounding terrain is a complex network of wetlands and tundra, characterized by numerous small bodies of water and significant river features like Steamboat Slough and Church Slough.

A network of tidal flats and sloughs, including Tupuknuk and the Pabunguluk Creek, illustrates the dynamic nature of the river delta. Local landmarks such as Hangar Lake and Arthur Hall Lake sit near the core of the settlement, providing specific points of reference for those studying the growth of this Alaskan community during the 1950s. The map clearly delineates the City Boundary, showing the extent of civic jurisdiction amidst the vast hydrology of the delta.