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1956 Map of Crooks Tower

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Crooks Tower
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1990
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1990

About this map

Crooks Tower rises as a prominent landmark in the heart of the Black Hills National Forest, dominating a landscape defined by deep draws and mountain springs during the mid-1950s. This survey, conducted before modern developments reached this interior portion of the hills, reveals the sparse human footprint of the era, marked by isolated outposts like Macs Camp and McInerny Ranch. The drainage patterns are clearly defined, showing the headwaters of South Fork Rapid Creek and Spearfish Creek as they carve through the limestone terrain.

Water sources were vital for local ranching and early mountain travelers, evidenced by the numerous named springs such as Lander Spring, Merow Spring, and Yellow Jacket Spring. Near the county line between Lawrence and Pennington, Stovehole Park provides a level break in the topography. This sheet captures the transition between the rugged heights of the Black Hills and the intricate network of gulches and draws, like Clayton Draw and Trebor Draw, that drain the high plateau.