1955 Map of Teshekpuk

About this map

Teshekpuk Lake dominates the eastern half of this Arctic coastal survey, serving as a massive hydrological anchor for the countless thermokarst ponds and braided river systems of the North Slope. The vast majority of the territory falls within the Naval Petroleum Reserve No 4, reflecting a mid-century era of strategic energy exploration. Along the Beaufort Sea coast, the map documents isolated infrastructure and indigenous footprints, from the Lonely Aerodrome and various Landing Strips to the site of Kokruagarok and the settlement of Kolovik (Abandoned). The landscape is defined by the winding paths of the Ikpikpuk River and Kogru River, which drain into complex coastal features like Smith Bay and Dease Inlet. A Winter Trail and Tractor Trail represent the primary overland transit corridors through this water-logged tundra, connecting points like Cape Simpson and Pitt Point.