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1954 Map of Mount Rushmore

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Mount Rushmore
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1989
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1989

About this map

Mount Rushmore National Memorial anchors the southern portion of this landscape, situated just south of the mining town of Keystone. The 1950s terrain reflects a complex history of extraction and recreation within the Black Hills National Forest. Numerous named mines, such as the Holy Terror Mine, Etta Mine, and Joe Dollar Mine, are scattered across the gulches, illustrating the intense mineral interest of the region.

Water management and transportation define the local geography, with Sheridan Lake and Horse Thief Lake providing significant recreational hubs. The Burlington Northern line follows the winding path of Battle Creek, connecting the settlement of Harney with the rugged interior. From the heights of Samelias Peak to the descent into Victoria Gulch, the map captures a period when the infrastructure of tourism, such as Baker Park, began to integrate with the older industrial footprint of the Black Hills.