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1953 Map of Blying Sound

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Blying Sound
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1965
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1965

About this map

The Harding Icefield dominates the northwestern heights of the Kenai Peninsula in this mid-century survey, its massive frozen expanse feeding the Aialik Glacier and Bear Glacier which reach toward the sea. The coastline is a complex network of fjords and sounds, including the deep waters of Resurrection Bay and the wide reach of Blying Sound. To the east, the map details the outer islands of the Chugach National Forest, from the narrow passages surrounding Latouche Island to the prominent coast of Montague Island.

Administrative boundaries of the era are clearly marked, including the Kenai National Moose Range and a dedicated Lighthouse Reserve. The distribution of scattered cabins and navigational aids like the lighthouse near Aialik Cape suggests a landscape defined by maritime commerce and resource management. The intricate bathymetry of the Gulf of Alaska and Montague Strait reflects the primary importance of these waterways for travel and industry in the 1950s.