1983 Map of Cole Dam

About this map

Grand River National Grassland dominates this Perkins County landscape, revealing the expansive open spaces of the northern plains in the early 1980s. The terrain is defined by the winding course of the South Fork Grand River along the southern border, joined by tributaries including Hay Creek and Snake Cr. Settlement is sparse and primarily organized around rural township structures like Barrett, Cash, and Fredlund. This period shows a ranching-focused economy where small community landmarks remain vital, such as the Townhall located near Cole Dam. For those tracing family history in the Dakotas, the map identifies the Pleasant Valley Cem, a key genealogical waypoint in the Grand River Pleasant Valley district. The presence of numerous grassland boundaries reflects the managed conservation and grazing patterns that have shaped this portion of South Dakota for decades.