1951 Map of Sitka D-2

About this map

Admiralty Island dominates this mid-century topographical survey, showcasing a landscape defined by dramatic elevation and complex interior drainage. At the heart of this portion of the Tongass National Forest lie several significant freshwater bodies, including the elongated Lake Florence and the high-elevation Lake Kathleen. The map reveals a wild coastal environment where the rugged interior is carved by numerous watercourses such as Wheeler Creek and Pack Creek, which flow toward the salt water of Swan Cove. While largely devoid of permanent settlements, a solitary Cabin situated near the north shore of Lake Florence suggests the presence of seasonal resource use or early wilderness management. The drainage patterns of Fishery Cr and Ward Creek further illustrate the watershed's importance to the regional ecosystem during this 1951 field study, providing a baseline of the island's geography before later decades of development.