1957 Map of Butcher Hill

About this map

Fairview Sch and French Creek Sch stand as markers of a changing rural landscape in the southern Black Hills during the mid-1950s. This survey, conducted in cooperation with the United States Atomic Energy Commission, documents a rugged region of Custer County defined by sharp ridges and deep canyons. The Chicago and North Western railroad cuts across the southeastern corner, following the path near Johnny Creek. Public lands dominate the western half, including portions of Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park. Significant landmarks like Butcher Hill and Racetrack Butte punctuate the terrain, while smaller labels like the Landing Field near Gordon Canyon and Jolly Flats suggest the localized activity of the era. The mapping of multiple abandoned schoolhouses reflects a shifting demographic as smaller homesteads consolidated in this portion of South Dakota.