1954 Map of Hayward

About this map

Hayward sits at the northern edge of a landscape defined by deep gulches and significant public lands during the mid-20th century. The settlement, positioned near Battle Creek, is surrounded by evidence of local resource extraction, including Mine Dumps and several unnamed mines scattered through the hills. This area marks the meeting point of the Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park, where the terrain is carved by complex drainage systems like Deadman Gulch, Bear Gulch, and Whiskey Gulch. To the south, Grace Coolidge Creek winds through the parklands, while Lakota Peak stands as a prominent landmark to the northeast. The presence of the Central Sch indicates a rural community structure persisting in this mountainous region, supported by a network of unimproved roads and light-duty trails that connect these isolated mountain features and waterways.