1950 Map of Fairbanks C-3

About this map

The Tanana River dominates the northern reaches of this mid-century Alaskan landscape, its braided channels and silty currents carving a complex network of islands and sloughs. Braided water bodies like Sevenmile Slough and Hadley Slough separate significant landforms including Sam Charley Island and Hadley Island from the mainland. South of the river, the landscape shifts toward military utility during the early Cold War era. A significant portion of the territory is dedicated to Ladd Air Force Base, with a sprawling Bombing and Gunnery Range occupying the lowland forests and wetlands near the Wood River. This juxtaposition of wild river hydraulics and tactical military infrastructure illustrates the strategic importance of the interior during this period, where large-scale training grounds were carved out of the wilderness south of Rosie Creek.