1951 Map of McCarthy C-8

About this map

Glacial landscapes and braided river systems dominate this mid-century survey of the Wrangell Mountains, reflecting a transition in land management between the 1950s aerial photography and the 1980s designation of the Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park. The massive Kuskulana Glacier feeds a complex network of waterways, including the Kuskulana River and Slatka Creek, while high peaks like Granite Peak and Skyscraper Peak anchor the high terrain. Isolated Cabins along the rivers and a single Trail through the Wrangell-Saint Elias Wilderness suggest the sparse, seasonal human presence in this region during the 1950s. The map illustrates the topographic challenges for early travelers, highlighting critical crossings such as Dixie Pass and Kuskulana Pass that connect the Kotsina River drainage to the interior valleys.