1956 Map of Umiat

About this map

The Colville River and its major tributaries dominate this mid-century survey of Alaska's North Slope, centering on the remote settlement of Umiat. Located just north of Umiat Mountain, this outpost served as a critical hub for Arctic exploration and energy research during the 1950s. The map delineates the extensive Naval Petroleum Reserve No 4, reflecting the era's strategic focus on northern resource potential. The landscape is marked by the winding courses of the Anaktuvuk River and Killik River, alongside the industrial presence of the Gubik Gas Field. Long-distance transport is represented by a network of Tractor Trails that cross the tundra, connecting isolated landmarks like Sentinel Hill and Outpost Mountain. Surveying foundations are evident in the inclusion of the Umiat Principal Meridian and its associated Base Line, which established the cadastral framework for this vast territory.