1985 Map of Highmore

About this map

The Chicago and North Western railroad corridor serves as the primary East-West axis for settlement across this central South Dakota landscape during the mid-1980s. Key towns such as Highmore, Miller, and Ree Heights are positioned along the tracks, surrounded by an intricate network of ephemeral water bodies and dedicated conservation areas. The map reveals a land structured by both utility and preservation, with numerous State Game Production Areas and National Waterfowl Production Areas interspersed among the section lines. Significant landmarks like Cottonwood Lake and Stone Lake punctuate the plains, while the Bald Hills provide localized relief. Small landing strips, including the Fischer Landing Strip and Nelson Landing Strip, reflect the regional reliance on private aviation. The northern reaches of the quadrangle are less densely settled, featuring isolated outposts like Polo and Orient connected by a grid of rural roads.