1982 Map of Dead Horse Draw

About this map

Lake Buffalo sits in the southwestern corner of this landscape in Ziebach County, which is defined by a complex network of seasonal drainages and draws within the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. The drainage pattern is dominated by the namesake Dead Horse Draw and Deer Creek, illustrating the erosional character of the northern Great Plains. These watercourses, including Chasing Hawk Draw and Moon Draw, suggest a terrain primarily utilized for open-range grazing and limited water access in a semi-arid environment. The lack of established towns or rail infrastructure on this 1982 provisional survey reflects the sparse, rural nature of the region during this period. Other named water features like Felix Creek and Bull Creek provide essential navigational markers for researchers or genealogists tracing land allotments and historical land use in this part of South Dakota.