1956 Map of Survey Pass

About this map

Schwatka Mountains and the Endicott Mountains form the formidable core of this 1950s interior landscape, where the Brooks Range creates a continental divide for the northern wilderness. The drainage patterns revealed here show the headwaters of the Kobuk River and the Alatna River systems, which were vital corridors for early exploration. Isolated human presence is marked by the Swan Cabin and a lone Cabin near the Nigu River, alongside the Portage near Helpmejack. This survey captures the region just before the mid-century's aerial mapping efforts were fully finalized, highlighting the topographic prominence of Mt Igikpak and the jagged Arrigetch Peaks. The presence of several high-altitude passes, including Survey Pass and Angunelechak Pass, suggests the traditional routes used by those traversing the divide between the Second and Fourth Judicial Divisions.