1948 Map of Sitka D-6

About this map

Chichagof Island dominates this mid-century topography, showing a landscape defined by deep fjords and high peaks within the Tongass National Forest. The narrow isthmus at Portage provides a critical geographic link between the waters of Port Frederick to the north and the expansive Tenakee Inlet to the south. This survey, compiled from 1948 aerial photography and maritime charts, captures the intricate shoreline of the Alexander Archipelago before modern development. Notable coastal features include Salt Lake Bay and the small landmass of Bell I, while the interior is marked by the drainage of Granite Creek. The map illustrates the specialized maritime geography of Southeast Alaska, where travel and settlement were dictated by the tides and the proximity of sheltered reaches like North Arm Hoonah Sound.