1954 Map of Mount McKinley A-4

About this map

Mt Mc Kinley National Park dominates this mid-century topographic study, showcasing a wilderness landscape shaped by massive ice flows and braided river systems. The transition from the high, ice-covered elevations of the Foraker Glacier and Herron Glacier to the broad outwash plains below provides a clear picture of the glacial hydrology of the Alaska Range. As the glaciers recede into the mountains, they feed the wide, silt-laden channels of the Foraker River and Herron River, which snake across the northern half of the quadrangle. Smaller tributaries like Somber Creek and Barren Creek drain the lower foothills, while the park boundary encompasses a mix of high-alpine peaks and wetlands. This 1954 survey captures the untouched character of the interior before modern infrastructure reached deep into these remote watersheds.