1955 Map of Noatak D-1

About this map

The Noatak River dominates this mid-1950s interior landscape, meandering through a complex network of braided channels and seasonal wetlands. Situated in the Arctic northwest, this environment is characterized by the confluence where the Kelly River joins the main waterway from the north. A single Cabin stands as the only named structure in the vast river valley, indicating the sparse seasonal occupation typical of the era. To the southeast, the terrain rises sharply into the Maiyumerak Mountains, providing a stark contrast to the low-lying basin of Lake Tagakvik and the surrounding tundra. The map traces the natural drainage patterns of smaller tributaries like Uvgoon and an unnamed Creek, illustrating the hydrological complexity of the Noatak basin before modern disturbances. This survey provides a primary record of the region's wilderness character and early-century land use.