1949 Map of Fairbanks D-1

About this map

The Chena River meanders sharply across the central portion of this 1940s landscape, illustrating the complex hydrology of the interior before modern flood controls. South of the river, the Fairbanks Base Line serves as the structural anchor for a grid of early homesteads and transportation corridors, including Badger Road and the path of the Richardson Highway. This era shows the convergence of traditional and modern transit, where a Sled Road cuts through the northern hills near Last Chance Creek while the Alaska Railroad skirts the southern edge along the Tanana River. A dedicated U S Military Reservation occupies the southwestern corner, reflecting the strategic buildup in the territory during and after the war. In the north, the terrain transitions into a dense network of gold-bearing stream valleys like Gilmore Creek and Yellow Pup Cr, marking the enduring influence of the mining districts.