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1951 Map of Gulkana

Name: 1951 Topographic Map of Gulkana
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1951
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1951

About this map

Lake Louise and the interconnected waters of Susitna Lake and Tyone Lake anchor the western portion of this Alaskan interior landscape, a region defined by its reliance on early lodge and roadhouse culture. The map documents the critical junction where the Richardson Highway meets the Glenn Highway, centering on the burgeoning settlement of Glennallen. This intersection serves as a hub for scattered wilderness outposts like Sourdough, Poplar Grove, and Big Timber.

To the east, the terrain rises toward the massive peaks of the Alaska Range, including Mt Sanford and Mt Drum. This era represents a pivotal moment in the development of the Copper River basin, where aviation facilities like the Gulkana Airstrip and Glennallen Landing Field began to supplement the overland routes. The presence of historic stops such as Ryans Roadhouse and Georges Lodge highlights the importance of seasonal travel and trade along the major river valleys during the mid-twentieth century.