1955 Map of Middleton Island D-1 and D-2

About this map

Kayak Island dominates this mid-century topographic study, stretching as a narrow mountainous spine into the Gulf of Alaska. Photogrammetric methods from 1955 aerial photography reveal a landscape defined by extreme elevation changes, rising from the sea to Pyramid Peak. At the island's southern tip, Cape St Elias serves as a critical maritime landmark, accompanied by a solitary Light and the jagged Pinnacle Rock offshore. This area is entirely contained within the Chugach National Forest, reflecting its status as a federally managed wilderness during this era. The waters of Kayak Entrance separate the main island from Wingham Island to the north, while hazardous features like Sea Ranger Reef and Southeast Rock are clearly charted. The map captures a moment of transition where traditional hydrographic data from the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey meets modern topographic mapping.