2017 Map of Alpena

About this map

The town of Alpena serves as the central hub of this prairie landscape, situated at the crossroads of Main St and Railroad Ave. This 2017 study illustrates the grid-based settlement pattern typical of the eastern South Dakota plains, where the town site is surrounded by a vast network of section-line roads such as 220th St and 393rd Ave. On the outskirts of the settlement lies Rest Haven - Alpena Cem, providing a focal point for local genealogical research. The surrounding terrain is defined by its subtle drainage systems, with Sand Creek and Cain Cr meandering through the township sections. This map documents the intersection of three counties—Beadle, Jerauld, and Sanborn—highlighting how jurisdictional lines were established alongside the agricultural development of the region.