1982 Map of Sears Dam

About this map

Sunnybrook Ch stands as a focal point for the rural community in this portion of Ziebach County, situated on the high plains within the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. This 1982 provisional survey illustrates a landscape defined by the drainage systems of Cottonwood Creek and Little Cottonwood Creek, where the hydrology is managed through features like Sears Dam and Campbell Dam. The map reveals a pattern of isolated pastoral settlement, with numerous family-named operations including the Mitchell Ranch, Holmes Ranch, Wall Ranch, and Knight Ranch scattered across the undulating terrain. A distinctive natural feature, the seasonally appearing Dry Lake, highlights the arid character of the region. These details reflect the enduring ranching economy of South Dakota's interior, providing a clear record of land use and family holdings during the late twentieth century.