1951 Map of Gulkana

About this map

The Gulkana River and its vast network of glacial tributaries dominate this 1951 compilation of south-central Alaska, tracing a landscape defined by the Richardson Highway and Glenn Highway corridors. The map highlights a series of mid-century lodges and roadhouses that served as vital waypoints for travelers and locals alike, including Atlasta House, Ryans Roadhouse, and Sportsmans Lodge. Strategic infrastructure of the era is evident at the Gulkana Landing Field and the emerging settlement at Glennallen. To the east, the towering peaks of the Wrangell Mountains rise sharply, with Mt Sanford and Mt Drum overlooking the Copper River basin. The presence of numerous small outposts like Sourdough and Poplar Grove along the riverbanks reflects the persistent importance of water and road access in this subarctic interior before later modern developments transformed the region.