1989 Map of Skunk Lake NE

About this map

The Niobrara River winds through the northwestern corner of this landscape, its path defined by the steep bluffs and complex drainage systems of northern Sheridan County. This late 1980s provisional survey illustrates a remote ranching region where large landholdings predominate, notably the Sandoz Ranch located in the southeastern quadrant. The topography is dominated by the sandy hills and seasonal wetlands characteristic of the Sandhills transition, with Box Butte Creek feeding into the river system. The settlement at Box Butte serves as a primary geographic marker in a territory otherwise defined by section lines and natural watercourses. For those researching Great Plains land use, the map provides a clear record of fence lines, trails, and ranching infrastructure before modern digital mapping became standard.