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1986 Map of Mitchell

Name: 1986 Topographic Map of Mitchell
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1989
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1989

About this map

Firesteel Creek and Enemy Creek wind through this central South Dakota landscape, defining the agricultural and water management patterns of the mid-1980s. The city of Mitchell dominates the eastern portion of the sheet, situated near the James River, while the transit corridor of Highway 16 and Interstate 90 connects it to western settlements like Plankinton, White Lake, and Kimball. This survey reveals a landscape heavily dedicated to conservation and wildlife management, with numerous designated areas such as the State Game Production Area and National Waterfowl Production Area scattered across the township grid.

Industrial and social landmarks of the era are well-documented, including the Storla Training School and the Sunset Memorial Cemetery. The rail infrastructure is represented by the Chicago and North Western and Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific lines, which historically drove the development of towns like Mount Vernon and Letcher. Local landmarks like the Cedar Grove Colony and various radio towers offer a more granular look at the communal and communications infrastructure of the decade.