1948 Map of Juneau B-6

About this map

Gustavus serves as the primary coastal settlement on this 1948 survey, positioned at the edge of the Glacier Bay National Monument. The landscape is defined by the shifting interface of land and sea, where Mud Flat deposits and complex waterways like Bartlett River and Salmon River navigate the low-lying terrain. The infrastructure of the era is clearly visible through the presence of the Gustavus Airfield, a Seaplane Base, and several communication installations, including a Communication Bldg and Powerhouse. These features indicate the importance of aviation and radio contact for this isolated community. Across Icy Passage, the northern tip of Chichagof Island at Pt Adolphus anchors the southern boundary, while the Beardslee Islands cluster in the northwest, including Lester Island and Young Island, offering a look at the coastal geography before modern environmental changes.