1950 Map of Shishmaref B-1

About this map

The Arctic Ocean shoreline defines this northern landscape, where the cold waters of the Chukchi Sea meet the low-lying coastal plains of the Seward Peninsula. Based on aerial photography from the late 1940s, this survey reveals an intricate network of thaw lakes and wetlands that dominate the terrain inland from the coast. The lack of roads or permanent settlements at mid-century highlights the seasonal and subsistence character of the region. A significant geographical feature is Cowpack Inlet, which cuts into the coastline to the east, providing a drainage point for the winding Cowpack River. This map serves as a vital record of the delicate permafrost landscape and changing Arctic shorelines as they existed before the introduction of modern infrastructure or industrial development in this part of Alaska.