1966 Map of Elk Ridge

About this map

The Custer National Forest encompasses the central ridgelines of this Powder River County landscape, defined by the prominent Elk Ridge and the Griffin Pass gap. This mid-1960s survey reveals a landscape heavily engineered for water management in an arid environment, characterized by numerous small-scale water improvements like Coal Creek Reservoir, Williams Reservoir, and Cameron Reservoir. These features, alongside named locations such as Gold Well and Manning Well, suggest a region focused on livestock grazing and ranching operations. Educational infrastructure is represented by the isolated Horkan Creek Sch in the northern portion of the quadrangle. The terrain is deeply dissected by drainages including Little Pumpkin Creek and Kiwah Creek, with a single Jeep Trail providing access through the rugged timbered interior.