1951 Map of Circle

About this map

The Yukon River defines the northeastern boundary of this 1951 reconnaissance, where the settlement of Circle stands as a gateway to the Alaskan interior. The landscape is dominated by the White Mountains and Crazy Mountains, terrain that shaped the path of the Steese Highway. This vital artery connects remote outposts like Central and Miller House while navigating high passes at Eagle Summit and Twelvemile Summit. Mining history is evident throughout the drainage basins of Birch Creek and the Chatanika River, with numerous Placer Mines located near Mastodon Dome. The map also highlights the geothermal significance of the region, featuring both Circle Hot Springs and Chena Hot Springs, which served as important landmarks and stopovers for travelers and prospectors alike. The presence of the Twelvemile House (Abandoned) offers a specific data point for historians tracking the shifting settlement patterns and transportation stops along the old highway routes during the mid-century.