1956 Map of Philip Smith Mountains

About this map

The northern reaches of the Brooks Range and the Continental Divide define this 1956 landscape, reflecting a remote wilderness before the development of modern infrastructure. This region, centered on the Philip Smith Mountains, was documented through photogrammetric methods from 1955 aerial photography, capturing the intricate drainage systems of the Sagavanirktok River and Itkillik River. Settlement is extremely sparse, limited to the Oksrukuyik site and a solitary Camp along the river banks. This survey records the land as it existed prior to the construction of the Dalton Highway, highlighting natural corridors such as Atigun Pass and the Atigun Gorge. The map serves as a vital record for understanding the original topography of the Endicott Mountains and the vast Arctic tundra basins that extend toward the North Slope.