1950 Map of Sheep Mountain Table

About this map

Sheep Mountain Table dominates this 1950 survey, providing a clear view of the complex land management boundaries in western South Dakota during the mid-century. The map captures the intersection of the Badlands National Monument and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where the Pennington Co Shannon Co line divides the high plateau. The topography is defined by prominent landforms such as Hart Table, Heck Table, and Cedar Butte, illustrating the dramatic erosion patterns characteristic of this region. Drainage systems like Cain Creek, Wind Creek, and Spring Creek carve through the landscape, while Big Hollow and North Cottonwood Creek mark the lower elevations. This record reflects a moment when aerial photography began to precisely document the rugged Badlands terrain and its established jurisdictional borders.