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1955 Map of Circle

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Circle
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1961
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1961

About this map

The Steese Highway serves as the primary artery through this interior Alaska landscape, connecting remote settlements and mining outposts during the mid-1950s. The map highlights key transit and social hubs such as Circle Hot Springs (Circle Springs PO), Twelvemile House, and Miller House (PO), which functioned as vital stops for travelers and miners in the Yukon-Koyukuk region. Evidence of the area's mineral-driven economy is found at Placer Mine sites and various work camps like Montana Creek Camp and Sourdough Camp.

Hydrography is dominated by the sprawling networks of the Chatanika River, Chena River, and the Birch Creek system. High-elevation landmarks like Mt Prindle, Porcupine Dome, and Eagle Summit frame the drainage basins of the Salcha River and Preacher Creek. This survey captures a specific era of subarctic settlement, where post offices and roadhouses provided the necessary infrastructure for life between the Crazy Mountains and the Yukon River.