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1955 Map of Meade River B-1

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Meade River B-1
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1982
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1982

About this map

The National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska dominates this landscape on the North Slope, characterized by a complex network of thousands of small thaw lakes and interconnected wetlands. Transportation in this mid-century period relied heavily on seasonal routes, evidenced by the numerous Winter Tractor Trails and Tractor Trails that crisscross the tundra. These routes were essential for navigating the low-lying terrain during the frozen months when the ground could support heavy equipment.

The Okpiksak River meanders through the northwest, providing a natural drainage system for the surrounding basins. Small, localized markers such as Hal, Mina, Buck, and Vic appear throughout the sheet, likely representing established survey points or temporary outposts rather than permanent settlements. This 1955 survey provides a clear view of the region's industrial potential and logistical challenges before modern infrastructure reached this part of the Alaskan arctic.