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1956 Map of Ditch Creek

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Ditch Creek
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

Black Hills National Forest land defines this mid-century landscape in Pennington County, where high-altitude ranching and mineral exploration shaped the local geography. The area is characterized by a series of high-country ranches, including Hoar Ranch, Herman Matt Ranch, and Tony Matt Ranch, which established a human presence amidst the deep draws and timbered ridges. Industrial activity is visible through the Accidental Mine and Stan Penn Lode Mine, indicating the persistent search for gold and other minerals that historically drove the development of the Black Hills.

Water sources like Castle Creek and its South Fork provide the primary drainage for the complex terrain. Topographical features such as Hat Mountain and Odakota Mountain overlook the broad openings of Gillette Prairie, while a network of named drainages like Sawmill Draw and Williams Draw suggest the historical logging and grazing routes used by early settlers. The mapping, coordinated with the Atomic Energy Commission, reflects the strategic importance of this region's mineral potential during the 1950s.