1952 Map of Fairbanks D-2

About this map

Fairbanks and its surrounding river-bound geography are captured during a period of significant post-war expansion and military integration. The Chena River and Noyes Slough frame the urban center, including the distinctive Garden Island area and the early footprint of Ladd Air Force Base to the east. To the west, the U S Agricultural Experiment Station and the settlement of College indicate the academic and research foundations of the region, while the Alaska Railroad and arterial routes like the Steese Highway connect the interior to the wider territory. The landscape is a complex network of gold-mining legacy and emerging modern infrastructure, with ditches and tailings scattered near names like Gold Hill and Ester Dome, reflecting the enduring impact of the mineral industry on the Alaskan interior.