1959 Map of Gillis Lake

About this map

Seagull Lake and its intricate northern shoreline anchor this late 1950s survey of the northern wilderness near the Canadian border. The landscape is defined by a dense network of water bodies, including Alpine Lake, Jasper Lake, and Bingshick Lake, many connected by the winding Chub River. This map captures the area within the Superior National Forest and Minnesota State Forest, showing a terrain dominated by glacial lakes and narrow portages before the modern era of heavy recreational development. The presence of numerous small lakes like Cavity Lake, Elusion Lake, and Honker Lake illustrates the complex hydrology of the Iron Range region. Topographic data, including depth curves for the major lakes, was provided by the Minnesota Department of Conservation, offering a rare look at the underwater contours of these remote northern waters during this period.