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1956 Map of Hughes

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Hughes
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1958
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1958

About this map

The Koyukuk River and Kobuk River systems define this mid-century look at the Alaskan interior, showing a landscape shaped by seasonal travel and subsistence. The village of Hughes serves as the primary hub, surrounded by critical river access points like the Hogatza Landing Area and Elevenmile Landing Area. This 1956 topography documents the historic Potziligi Portage (Kobuk Portage), an ancient overland route connecting the major river basins across the Pah River Flats.

Mineral extraction and early aviation infrastructure appear via the Placer Mine and several dedicated landing areas, while small settlements like Discovery and isolated cabins dot the terrain near the Arctic Circle. The map also captures the administrative division between the Second and Fourth Judicial Divisions, cutting through the Angayucham Mts and Lockwood Hills. This record is essential for tracing the geography of the Koyukuk region before more modern developments altered these traditional transportation corridors.