1954 Map of Dalzell

About this map

The Belle Fourche River winds through the northern portion of this Meade County landscape, defining a terrain shaped by drainage patterns like Bradley Draw and Trussman Draw. During the mid-1950s, this area of South Dakota remained a sparsely settled ranching and farming region, as evidenced by the rural schoolhouses that served the local families. The tiny settlement of Dalzell sits near the eastern edge, while the interior is marked by the Linn Sch and Bradley Sch. These small, localized landmarks are essential for tracing mid-century homesteads and the distribution of residents across the plains before the consolidation of rural school districts. To the south, the Sand Springs Draw cuts through the high ground, providing a detailed look at the water sources and topographical features like Shepherd Flat that dictated the layout of local roads and property boundaries.