1959 Map of Gillis Lake

About this map

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness defines this glaciated landscape in Cook County, where a dense network of interconnected waterways served as the primary transit system before and after its official wilderness designation. This survey, updated with 1984 aerial data, shows the primitive trail systems and portages that link major water bodies like Alpine Lake, Jasper Lake, and the uniquely named Bingshick Lake. The terrain is characterized by complex shorelines and islands, most notably Threemile Island, set against the broader backdrop of the Superior National Forest. For the researcher, the map preserves the exact names and configurations of dozens of smaller lakes—including Cavity Lake, Elusion Lake, and Hummitch Lake—which reflect the local nomenclature of the mid-20th century. The intricate topography and depth curves, provided by the Minnesota Department of Conservation, offer a clear view of the underwater profiles and landforms as they were managed in the late 1950s.