1951 Map of Cordova

About this map

The coastal gateway of Cordova and the sweeping Copper River Delta dominate this mid-century survey of the Third Judicial Division in Alaska. This 1951 record captures the region's complex coastline and mountainous interior just before major changes in territorial infrastructure. In the north, the small coastal settlements of Tatitlek and Ellamar sit near the entrance to Valdez Arm, while to the east, the historic district of Katalla is shown near the mouth of the Bering Lake drainage. The map reveals the intricate network of glacial lakes and rivers that define the local economy, from the fishing waters of Eyak Lake to the broad expanse of Miles Lake where the Bremner River and Tana River feed into the interior. Landmark aviation features like the Cordova Airport reflect the growing postwar reliance on air travel to navigate the stretches of the Chugach National Forest and the barrier islands of Prince William Sound.