1955 Map of Meade River C-3

About this map

Meandering arctic waterways dominate this mid-century survey of the North Slope, where the Meade River twists through a dense network of thaw lakes and ponds. This landscape reflects the seasonal transit patterns of the era, marked by a Winter Trail that cuts across the permafrost to connect isolated points of activity. Traces of human presence are sparse but significant, including a Sod Hut (Ruins) and a Cabin situated along the riverbanks, hinting at the traditional use of the land for trapping or subsistence. Geological interest is noted at a specific Gas Seep near the Nigisaktuvik River confluence, while the Inaru River and Kucheak Creek provide additional drainage through this water-saturated terrain. The map captures a moment when mechanical transport and traditional dwellings coexisted in the Alaskan interior.