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1952 Map of Fairbanks

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Fairbanks
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1960
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1960

About this map

Fairbanks serves as the focal point of this mid-century survey, situated at the confluence of the Chena River and the sprawling Tanana River system. The map documents the vital logistics of the Alaskan interior, anchored by the route of The Alaska Railroad as it winds through settlements like Nenana and Browne. To the southeast, the growing community of North Pole and the strategic presence of Eielson Air Force Base reflect the Cold War era expansion of the region.

Beyond the urban centers, the landscape is defined by vast sloughs and tributaries, including Chena Slough and Salchaket Slough, and punctuated by prominent heights such as Murphy Dome and Ester Dome. The presence of the Bombing and Gunnery Range south of the Tanana emphasizes the military significance of the territory during this period. For those tracing regional development, the map details the early path of the Richardson Highway and the smaller tracks connecting remote outposts like Ferry and Rex.