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1951 Map of Sitka D-6

Name: 1951 Topographic Map of Sitka D-6
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

Chichagof Island dominates this 1951 topographic study, revealing a complex network of glacial fjords and drainage systems within the Tongass National Forest. The land is defined by deep incisions like Tenakee Inlet to the north and the North Arm Hoonah Sound to the south, showcasing the maritime-dependent geography of the City and Borough of Sitka. A notable terrestrial passage exists at Portage, where a narrow neck of land separates the waters of Port Frederick from the inland reach of the Tenakee.

The map's hydrographic detail, compiled from USC&GS charts, highlights several extensive Tidal Flat zones, particularly at the heads of the major inlets. Inland, the Lisianski River and Granite Creek carve through the high terrain, which was mapped via aerial photography in 1948. This survey represents a period when the Alaskan wilderness was being systematically charted using photogrammetric methods, capturing the coastal architecture before modern development.