Published by the United States Post Office Department on May 15, 1958—Alaska’s final year before statehood—this Post Route Map Alaska is a lucid portrait of how mail stitched together a territory larger than most nations. Postal routes, crisply traced in red, thread from the fjords of the Inside Passage to the Arctic littoral and out along the Aleutian chain, with every post office carefully noted. The cartography balances administrative clarity with geographic truth: judicial divisions are cleanly bounded while rivers, lakes, and mountain ranges are rendered with mid-century exactitude. Seen at a glance is the central drama of Alaskan logistics, where weather, distance, and terrain shaped communication. As a contemporary planning document, it offers a privileged view into the federal mind at the threshold of unprecedented political and infrastructural change.

Anchorage and Fairbanks emerge as pivotal hubs, their spokes reaching to Kenai and Homer on the peninsula, to Talkeetna and the Interior, and westward to Bethel, Dillingham, and Nome—lifelines for Yukon–Kuskokwim and Bering Sea communities. Southeast Alaska forms a dense maritime constellation—Juneau, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, and Haines—linked by coastal routes that rode the same sheltered waters as passenger steamers. Kodiak and Valdez anchor Gulf of Alaska connections, while Unalaska marks the far-flung Aleutians. Northway and Tok signal the importance of the Alaska Highway corridor, tying the Territory to the continent. Though modes are not enumerated, the pattern betrays a sophisticated intermodal system: star routes by bush plane and boat, railroad-connected sorting between Anchorage and Fairbanks, and seasonal adjustments that kept isolated outposts supplied in darkness and thaw alike.

Geography is the quiet protagonist of this map. The Yukon, Kuskokwim, Tanana, and Copper rivers appear not merely as features but as corridors, their valleys often shadowed by red lines that hint at summer boat mail and winter trail or air links following the same axes. Major lakes—such as Iliamna and others scattered across the Interior—read as natural seaplane harbors, explaining why some communities thrived as aviation hubs. Mountain systems are decisive: the Brooks Range insulates the North Slope; the Alaska Range, crowned in 1958 by Mount McKinley (now Denali), separates Southcentral from the Interior; and the Aleutian and Chugach ranges steer traffic along coasts. Overlaying all are the judicial divisions, the framework through which federal administrators organized oversight, routing, and reporting across vastly different settlement densities from the Panhandle to the Arctic.

Historically, this map captures Alaska at a hinge point between eras. Dog-team mail had largely yielded to aircraft by mid-century, yet the routes still respect the old trails, river ice, and portage logic that opened the Interior decades earlier. The Cold War lent urgency to reliable northern aviation; strategic airfields near Anchorage and Fairbanks, and radar lines on the Arctic coast, fostered weather reporting and navigation aids that also benefitted civilian post. Economic life pulses beneath the cartography: fishing centers at Kodiak, Dillingham, and Unalaska; mining legacies around Nome; the territorial capital at Juneau; and construction towns along highway corridors. Created months before statehood, the map records federal priorities on the eve of transition, when integrating remote Native villages and rapidly growing cities into a single communications web was both policy goal and daily challenge.

Stylistically, the map reflects the confident clarity of mid‑20th‑century federal cartography: a restrained palette with assertive red arterial routes, disciplined typography, and a layout that balances administrative legibility with the sweep of tundra, forest, and sea. It is valuable not only for where the lines run, but for what the names say—Barrow now known as Utqiaġvik, Mount McKinley now Denali—anchoring the sheet in a specific linguistic moment. For collectors and researchers in postal history, aviation, and Alaskana, it serves as an authoritative primary source, illuminating how a federal service negotiated one of the world’s hardest landscapes. As a narrative of connection at the brink of statehood, it is both an instructive document and an evocative testament to the ingenuity that held the far North together.

Places on this map

• Anchorage
• Fairbanks
• Juneau
• Ketchikan
• Nome
• Sitka
• Kodiak
• Bethel
• Wrangell
• Barrow (Utqiaġvik)
• Petersburg
• Haines
• Kenai
• Dillingham
• Homer
• Unalaska
• Valdez
• Tok
• Talkeetna
• Northway

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Postal routes marked in red
• Post office locations
• Geographic divisions including judicial divisions
• Major rivers and lakes
• Mountain ranges and significant terrain features
• Coastal outlines and significant coastlines
• Areas of population centers

Historical and design context

• Date of Creation: May 15, 1958
• Publisher: United States Post Office Department
• Interesting Context about the Publisher: The United States Post Office Department was responsible for mail distribution and postal service management, and its maps often reflect the logistical necessities of the time, especially in remote regions like Alaska.
• Extra Notes: The map likely depicts significant postal routes, post offices, and geographical features relevant to mail distribution during that era, providing insights into the connectivity challenges faced by the postal service across Alaska's vast and rugged landscape.
• Topics and Themes: The map focuses on postal routes, key postal facilities, geographical features vital for navigation and mail distribution, and the infrastructure supporting communication in mid-20th century Alaska.
• Design/Style: Characterized by clear delineations of postal routes and postal divisions, detailed cartography showing geographic features, and an organized layout that reflects mid-20th century mapping conventions.
• Historical Significance: Highlights the evolution of postal logistics in Alaska, showcasing how geographic challenges influenced the establishment of postal routes and services in a state known for its isolation and environmental challenges.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This is a very large map that must be ordered at a large size, so that you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.

Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.

We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.

• We can deliver directly to the recipient
• Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
• Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
• Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
• 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide

If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.

Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.

We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.

Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.

Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.

Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.

If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.

Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.

Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.

Read our full delivery and local production guide

Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.

We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.

Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.

Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.

All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.

If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.