1955 Map of Point Lay

About this map

Point Lay sits on a narrow gravel spit between the Chukchi Sea and the expansive Kasegaluk Lagoon, a critical interface of sea and tundra in the mid-1950s. This survey, compiled from Army Map Service records and USC&GS data, details the intricate drainage of the North Slope where the Kokolik River, Epizetka River, and Kukpowruk River meander through a landscape saturated with thaw lakes like Mumik Lake and Pugutak Lake. Along the coast, the barrier islands are punctuated by seasonal inlets including Akunik Pass and Kukpowruk Pass. Further south, the terrain rises toward the Amatusuk Hills and the Kiklupiklak Hills, while a lonely Trail follows the coastline past Omalik Lagoon toward Cape Beaufort. The map identifies local necessities of Arctic life, including a Cem and a designated Landing Area near the primary settlement.