1954 Map of Jewel Cave SW

About this map

Black Hills National Forest land dominates this 1954 survey, showcasing a rugged limestone and sandstone landscape within the Elk Mountains. The terrain is defined by deep, winding drainage systems like Hell Canyon, Tepee Canyon, and Schenk Canyon, which carve through the high plateaus of western South Dakota. Water management in this arid environment is evident through several small-scale improvements, including Putnam Dam, Breasna Dam, and Walsh Well, indicating the importance of livestock watering holes for local ranching. The topographic detail highlights prominent natural landmarks such as the Pass Creek Wall and Red Point, as well as the high elevation of Pilger Mountain in the southern portion of the quadrangle. This sheet preserves a mid-century view of a remote frontier region where geographic features dictated the limited human activity and infrastructure.