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1953 Map of Rapid City West

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Rapid City West
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1967
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1967

About this map

Rapid City expands westward into the foothills of the Black Hills South National Forest during the early 1950s, a period marked by the city's growth along the banks of Rapid Creek. This survey reveals the transition from urban infrastructure to the dense canyon systems that define the region's geography. Educational and social foundations are visible through sites like the Sioux Sanitorium, Camp Rapid, and several localized school districts including Red Brick Sch and South Canyon Sch.

Geologic and recreational landmarks punctuate the landscape, from the depths of Wildcat Cave and Nameless Cave to the waters of Canyon Lake. The influence of early industry is noted by several Quarry sites and the presence of the Chicago and North Western railroad line. Family history and civic development are further anchored by Mountain View Cemetery and the Cleghorn Springs fish hatchery, showcasing how the community integrated with its natural resources.