2005 Map of Sheep Mountain

About this map

The Slim Buttes region within the Custer National Forest defines this part of Harding County, where water sources were critical for early settlement and ranching. Numerous named springs, including Wolf Spring, Moonshine Spring, and Easter Spring, dot the base of the steep mesas and draws. Small outposts such as H Jensen and Slim are noted alongside infrastructure like Marty Road, providing a glimpse into the late 20th-century land use of the South Dakota plains. The map reflects a landscape shaped by both natural features like Sheep Mountain and human activity, seen in the Prospect sites that point to mineral exploration or mining attempts in the rugged breaks. The distribution of these water points and small settlements illustrates the sparse but persistent human presence in this high-plains environment.