1952 Map of Healy C-5

About this map

Mt McKinley National Park and the high peaks of the Alaska Range dominate this 1952 topographic study, derived from aerial photography captured in 1949. The landscape is defined by its drainage systems, where the Savage River and Sanctuary River cut through the high-elevation terrain. Prominent landmarks such as Fang Mtn and Double Mtn stand as vertical anchors for the topography. One notable detail is the presence of several areas labeled No compilation available for this area (obscured by clouds), a literal record of the technical limitations faced by the U.S. Geological Survey when mapping the Alaskan interior mid-century. This map provides a technical foundation for understanding the wilderness at the heart of the park before modern development, including the secluded Refuge Valley.