1950 Map of Nome D-1

About this map

The Kigluaiak Mountains dominate this northern landscape, rising sharply above the headwaters of the Nome River and the Grand Central River. By the mid-20th century, the industrial infrastructure of earlier gold rushes remained visible on the terrain, most notably the Seward Peninsula (Abandoned) Railroad tracking near the shores of Salmon Lake. This era of mineral extraction also left behind significant hydraulic engineering projects like the Miocene Ditch and various other ditches used to divert water for mining operations across the Peninsula. Small outposts such as Jensens Camp dot the lower elevations, while high peaks like Mount Osborn and Tigaraha Mountain define the drainage basins for numerous creeks including Bonanza Creek and San Francisco Creek. The map documents a rugged interior at a time when traditional transportation and water-management systems were being reclaimed by the Alaskan landscape.