1955 Map of Wainwright B-4

About this map

Kasegaluk Lagoon dominates this coastal landscape, separated from the open Chukchi Sea by a thin, broken ribbon of barrier islands and spits. This mid-1950s survey captures a delicate hydrological environment where the Ongorakvik River and Nokotleek River drain into the sheltered lagoon waters. The presence of a Cabin (ruin) at Nokotleek Point provides a rare sign of human occupancy in a region defined by its isolation and specialized geography. At this time, the entire territory was designated as Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4, reflecting the strategic importance of the North Slope. The map meticulously documents the navigable breaks in the coastline, such as Pingorarok Pass and Akoliakatat Pass, which were essential for maritime access between the sea and the coastal interior.