1954 Map of Fourmile

About this map

Mining operations and remote schoolhouses define this mid-century landscape within the Black Hills National Forest. The settlement of Fourmile serves as a central point for the region's extractive activity, surrounded by specialized prospects including the Tin Mountain Mine, Helen Beryl Mine, and the Tiptop Mine. This topography, based on 1950s aerial photography with late-1970s updates, shows a rugged economic environment where water management was critical, evidenced by the Venting Reservoir, Ward Reservoir, and McClure Dam. Local education is anchored by the Fourmile Sch and Sevenmile Sch, which were vital hubs for the families working these hills. The drainage network, featuring Fourmile Creek and Lightning Creek, dictates the placement of roads and camps, illustrating the historical reliance on natural valleys for passage through the canyon-scored terrain.