1951 Map of Clifton

About this map

The Clifton settlement and the Chicago Burlington and Quincy railroad line define this 1951 study of the rugged borderland between Weston County, Wyoming, and Custer County, South Dakota. The landscape is dominated by the high elevations of the Elk Mountains and Wildcat Peak, much of which is contained within the Harney National Forest. Local history is reflected in several remote landmarks, including the Clifton School (Aban'd) and the Blaine Ranch, while numerous water sources like Whoopup Creek, Slate Spring, and Dugout Creek indicate the vital importance of water management in this arid terrain. Topography ranges from deep incisions like Rock Canyon and Ferguson Canyon to industrial sites such as the Gravel Pits (Inactive) and an Artesian Well, showing a region transitioning from active rural occupation toward more specialized forestry and resource use.