1956 Map of Chandler Lake

About this map

Brooks Range peaks and high mountain passes dominate this 1950s survey of Northern Alaska, capturing a wilderness landscape defined by its river systems and traditional routes. The critical Anaktuvuk Pass serves as a focal point, indicating the historic movement of people and wildlife through the mountains between the Anaktuvuk River and the John River drainage. A long Tractor Trail follows the Chandler River valley, cutting through the Grandstand Ridge to connect isolated cabins and surveying camps. The map documents numerous named bluffs and mesas, such as Tuktu Bluff and Ayiyak Mesa, alongside significant water bodies like Nanushuk Lake and Irgniyivik Lake. This record of the North Slope Borough interior preserves the exact nomenclature used by surveyors and local inhabitants before the era of modern development, including distinctive landmarks like Cockedhat Mtn and Gunsight Mtn.