1953 Map of Piedmont

About this map

Piedmont serves as the primary settlement on this survey, situated where the Chicago and North Western railroad corridor meets the eastern edge of the Black Hills. The landscape transitions from the rail-oriented plains into a complex system of drainages and limestone features, including Stagebarn Caverns, Erskine Cave, and the Ice Cave. This 1953 study reveals a region balanced between local industry, evidenced by a Gravel Pit and the historic Pinkerton Sch, and growing mountain recreation. Deep in the Black Hills National Forest, the map records specific sites like the Dalton Lake Campground and the Ski Slide near Little Elk Canyon. Topographic details highlight significant landmarks such as Steamboat Rock and the narrow passages of Red Gate and White Gate, providing a clear view of the area's geological character before later modern developments.