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1982 Map of Midland NW

Name: 1982 Topographic Map of Midland NW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1983
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1983

About this map

Ranching operations define the West River landscape of central South Dakota in this early 1980s topographical survey. The map records a dense network of family-owned agricultural holdings spanning the border of Haakon Co and Stanley Co, including the Armstrong Ranch, Nemec Ranch, and Blucher Ranch. This distribution of homesteads reflects the enduring pastoral economy of the region, where life centers on the drainage basins of Little Prairie Dog Creek and Mitchell Creek.

Evidence of local development and communication is found in landmarks like the Radio Tower and the proliferation of private ranch complexes such as the F Schwalm Ranch and Hagan Ranch. The presence of a designated Water Well and numerous creeks like Burnt Creek and Lone Tree Creek highlights the critical importance of water resources in maintaining these prairie livestock operations during the late twentieth century.