1966 Map of Elk Ridge

About this map

Custer National Forest encompasses the center of this landscape, where the high ground of Elk Ridge serves as a watershed divide for several drainages. The map reveals a cattle-ranching landscape defined by water management, with numerous small impoundments such as Coal Creek Reservoir, Shell Res, John Gold Res, and Elk Ridge Res tucked into the coulees. Evidence of early rural community life is anchored by the Horkan Creek Sch and a lone Cem in the northern reaches, while isolated landmarks like Sandfer Butte provide orientation across the sage-and-grass terrain. The presence of Gold Well, Manning Well, and several other unnamed wells suggests a deep reliance on groundwater to sustain livestock in the dry Powder River country. Navigating the breaks is facilitated by a network of unimproved roads and a Jeep Trail that follows the ridge lines through the forest.