1957 Map of Colony

About this map

The Belle Fourche River meanders across this landscape where Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota converge. The settlement of Colony serves as a local hub, supported by a specialized extraction economy evident in the numerous Clay Pits and the Bentonite Spur along the Chicago and North Western rail line. This industrial presence is balanced by a dense network of family cattle operations, including the Thorval Jensen Ranch, Newland Ranch, and Sloan Brothers Ranch. Education in this isolated ranching territory is anchored at the Baroid Sch, while an Airstrip near Chicago Creek facilitates travel across the Tri-State area. The mapping of landmarks like Mud Butte and Middle Butte suggests a topography defined by distinct elevations amidst the river drainage system, where water management is critical for survival as seen at Shepard Reservoir.