1954 Map of McGrath C-6

About this map

The Kuskokwim River serves as the central artery through this Alaskan interior landscape, winding past the landmark height of Vinasale Mountain. Based on aerial photography from the early to mid-1950s, the map illustrates a complex fluvial system where the main channel meets the Black River and Selatna River, creating numerous sloughs and islands. At the southern bend of the Kuskokwim, the Nunivak Bar sits near the base of Selatna Mountain, marking a point of geological significance for river navigation. The area around Vinasale reflects the sparse settlement patterns and heavy reliance on waterways characteristic of the Yukon-Koyukuk region during the post-war era. This survey provides an essential view of the hydrography before any modern development, documenting the natural state of Butcher Creek and the Little River as they drain into the Kuskokwim basin.