1954 Map of Jewel Cave SE

About this map

Black Hills National Forest land dominates this mid-century landscape in Custer County, revealing a terrain defined by its water sources and drainage patterns. The map highlights several named water features essential for life in this arid environment, including Issue Wood Spring, Rogers Shack Spring, and Pine Tree Spring. The presence of the McClelland Sch in the southwestern portion suggests the presence of a rural community that relied on these scattered resources. The topography is intricately carved by the East Fork Hawkwright Creek and the West Fork, which converge as they move through the hills toward Red Canyon. This survey, conducted in conjunction with the United States Atomic Energy Commission, provides a detailed view of the natural landmarks and early 20th-century development before modern infrastructure reached this part of South Dakota.