1952 Map of Petersburg

About this map

Kupreanof Island and the surrounding Alexander Archipelago dominate this early 1950s reconnaissance, which reveals the maritime settlement patterns of Southeast Alaska. The coastal communities of Petersburg, Wrangell, and Kake serve as established hubs, while smaller labels like Hamilton, Shakan, and the cannery site at Tonka indicate the region's reliance on the fishing and timber industries. The rugged geography is defined by deep waterways such as Sumner Strait and the Duncan Canal, alongside massive glaciated peaks like Castle Mtn and Thunder Mtn. Inside the Tongass National Forest, the map traces the intersection of the Stikine River with the coast, marking the international boundary between the First Judicial Division of Alaska and British Columbia. These survey details capture the territory just before statehood, documenting isolated points like Cemetery Pt and the seasonal settlements of West Petersburg and Doyhof.