1949 Map of Big Delta B-6

About this map

The braided channels of the Tanana River and the Salcha River dominate this interior Alaska landscape, reflecting a geography shaped by glacial melt and seasonal shifts. The Richardson Highway serves as the primary corridor of travel, connecting early outposts and recreation sites like Aurora Lodge and the Silver Fox Lodge. Near the northern bluffs, the Salcha Bluff overlooks the river valley, while further south, the The Trans-Alaska Pipeline cuts a distinct path through the terrain, representing a later layer of industrial development added to the original 1949 survey. Large water bodies including Harding Lake and Birch Lake provide central landmarks for the surrounding Harding Lake State Rec Area. The map also captures the presence of the Fort Wainwright and Fort Greely Mil Res boundaries, underscoring the strategic military importance of the Tanana Valley during the mid-20th century.