1956 Map of Coleen

About this map

The Porcupine River carves a deep path through the northeastern Alaska interior, defining the drainage patterns of this subarctic wilderness. In the mid-1950s, human presence was concentrated at remote outposts along the riverbanks, including the Old Rampart settlement and Owens Cabins. The landscape is dominated by high peaks and ridges such as Shoulder Mountain and Seven Dikes Mountain, while the Coleen River and Sheenjek River provide the primary water routes through the northern valleys. Significant landmarks like Howling Dog Rock and Halfway Pillar served as critical navigation points along the twisting watercourses. A solitary Tractor Trail offers one of the few terrestrial corridors through the tundra, connecting the low-lying Chandalar Flats to the higher elevations near Rabbit Mountain. This survey was conducted just as the Arctic Nat Wildlife Ref began to formalize conservation in this international border region along the United States Canada boundary.