1950 Map of Conata

About this map

Pine Ridge Indian Reservation occupies the southern half of this landscape, its boundary following the winding course of the White River. The northern section is dominated by the high plateaus of Hurley Butte and Kelley Butte, which overlook the vast drainage system. This 1950 field-checked survey captures the area at a time when the Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific railroad served as the primary east-west artery, with the small settlement of Conata positioned along its tracks. The transition from the rugged badlands terrain to the river valley is marked by drainage features like Redwater Creek, while a lone Oil Well signifies early industrial exploration in this remote portion of South Dakota. The map meticulously delineates the county lines where Pennington, Shannon, and Washabaugh meet, providing a clear record of administrative boundaries during the mid-century era.