1955 Map of Sagavanirktok D-4

About this map

The Toolik River and Putuligayuk River dominate this 1955 topographic survey of the North Slope, revealing a landscape of intricate hydrological patterns before the era of intensive petroleum development. The terrain is characterized by a dense network of thaw lakes and braided river channels, with specific elevation points or topographical markers noted by distinct names such as Whiskey, Livid, and Skimp. Near the southern reach of the rivers, a landmark labeled Beny provides a point of reference in an otherwise fluid environment. This document, produced from aerial photography by the Army Map Service, captures the pristine state of the Alaskan arctic coastal plain, where the lack of roads or permanent settlements highlights the isolation of these watersheds in the mid-20th century.