1953 Map of Philip Junction

About this map

Buffalo Gap National Grassland dominates the southern landscape of this West River South Dakota survey, illustrating the vast open grazing lands established during the mid-century. The map centers on the small settlement of Philip Junction, located near the border of Haakon Co and Jackson Co. This terrain is characterized by the erosional patterns of the Little Buffalo and Kadoka regions, where drainage systems like Brady Creek and Fk Bad R have carved intricate contours into the prairie. Local history is anchored by the Schimke Sch in the eastern portion of the quadrangle, a representative one-room schoolhouse that served the dispersed ranching families of the Grand View area. The presence of these small landmarks provides a look at the rural infrastructure supporting the Missouri River Basin development era.