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1954 Map of Berne

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Berne
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1969
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1969

About this map

The Black Hills National Forest landscape documented in this mid-century survey reveals a transition from mineral extraction to monumental artistry and recreation. Mining history is deeply etched into the hills, with operations like the Crown Mine, Western Star Mine, and the Penobscott Mine scattered among the gulches and peaks. Near the eastern edge, the early stages of the Crazy Horse Carvings on Thunderhead Mountain are noted, marking the beginning of what would become a massive cultural landmark.

Logistics and administration of the forest are evident at the Junction Ranger Station, while local life centered around the Berne settlement and the Park Sch. The rail connection via the Burlington and Chicago line supported both the industry and the small communities nestled within the timber. Terrain features like Bear Mountain, with its Lookout Tower, and the various camps such as Roetzel Deer Camp suggest a forest used as much for seasonal hunting and observation as for the older pursuit of gold and silver.