1956 Map of Kirley

About this map

Kirley serves as a central point in this mid-century survey of Haakon County, illustrating the sparse settlement patterns typical of the West River region. The landscape is dominated by expansive plateaus like Robbs Flat and Maupin Flat, which dictated the placement of early community infrastructure. Educational and spiritual life for ranching families was localized at sites such as Markwed Sch and Robbs Flat Sch, while the Deep Creek Ch stands in the southern section known as Grandfield. The hydrography of the area, defined by the West Fork Hermaphrodite Creek and the East Fork Plum Creek, shows the essential role of water management in this environment, evidenced by the Roseth Dam. These features, along with the Robbs Flat Cem, provide a detailed record of the families who established roots in this part of South Dakota.