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1948 Map of Port Alexander A-1

Name: 1948 Topographic Map of Port Alexander A-1
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1963
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1963

About this map

Kuiu Island dominates this 1948 topographic survey, revealing the intricate coastline of Southeast Alaska within the Tongass National Forest. The map detail focuses on the southern tip of the island, where the landmark Lighthouse at Cape Decision stands as a vital navigational sentinel overlooking the confluence of Chatham Strait and the Pacific. The interior is defined by significant elevations such as Mount McArthur and Mount Howard, while the coastline is deeply incised by protected waters including Port McArthur, Kell Bay, and Table Bay.

The presence of numerous small landforms, such as Fairway Island, North Island, and the Bush Islets, suggests a complex maritime environment used for regional transit and fishing. This survey, compiled from early photogrammetric methods and older hydrographic charts, captures the geographic character of the Alexander Archipelago before the expansion of modern industrial infrastructure, preserving the original names of coves like Howard Cove and Crowley Bight.