1961 Map of Maurice

About this map

Black Hills National Forest dominates this topographic landscape, where the interplay between steep terrain and vital water sources shaped early development. The small settlement of Maurice serves as a focal point near Spearfish Creek, supported by infrastructure like the Pumping Station and an aqueduct. This 1961 survey captures a time when the region's transport network relied on descriptively named routes like Tollgate Road and Sawmill Road, which navigated the deep incisions of Higgins Gulch and Robison Gulch. Named springs, including Higgins Spring, Jay Spring, and Cabin Springs, are scattered across the Flats, indicating the critical importance of reliable water for livestock and small homesteads in this vertical environment. Distinctive landmarks like Crow Peak and Citadel Rock provide clear orientation points for those tracing historical land use and early resource extraction routes through the gulches.