1954 Map of Custer

About this map

The town of Custer serves as the focal point of this mid-century survey, situated at the junction of French Creek and Sidney Creek within the Black Hills National Forest. The landscape is dominated by the geological formations of The Needles and the towering heights of Harney Peak, while the cultural landscape reflects an era of early tourism and persistent mineral extraction. Noteworthy sites include the site of the Crazy Horse Carving on Thunderhead Mountain, the winding path of Needles Drive, and a local Drive-in Theater. Mining activity is extensively documented through features like the Clara Belle Mine, Wild Rose Mine, and Victory Mine, illustrating the region's long-standing reliance on its natural resources. In the north, the small settlement of Oreville sits along the Chicago Burlington and Quincy railroad line, while recreational areas like Sylvan Lake and Stockade Lake anchor the eastern peaks.