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1903 Map of Rapid, 1915 Print
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1903 Map of Rapid

USGS Topo · Published 1915

About this map

The eastern front of the Black Hills is dominated by the Black Hills Forest Reserve and the strategic location of Rapid City at the intersection of mountain and prairie. This survey, conducted in the 1890s, captures a transitional period for the region where established military outposts like the Fort Meade Military Reservation near Sturgis stood alongside the expanding infrastructure of the Chicago and Northwestern railroad. To the west, the rugged topography is marked by narrow canyons such as Stage Barn Canyon and the winding course of Rapid Creek, which provided essential water to early settlements like Pactola and Nemo. Notable landmarks like the iconic Bear Butte and the U.S. Indian School near the city center reflect the complex social and military history of western South Dakota during this era of frontier development.

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Map Details

Date Portrayed1903
Date Published1915
PublisherU.S. Geological Survey
Map TypeTopographic
Scale1:125,000
Physical Dimensions16.5 x 19.7 inches

Editions of this 1903 Rapid Map

Historical Maps of Rapid City Through Time

318 maps found

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Source Details

SourceU.S. Geological Survey
CopyrightPublic Domain