1951 Map of Thunder Butte

About this map

The Cheyenne River Indian Reservation landscape is defined by the winding course of the Moreau River, which carves a deep valley through the northern plains of South Dakota. In the early 1950s, this area remained largely dominated by river-and-creek geography, with numerous crossings indicated by Ford labels along the riverbanks. The prominent landmark of Thunder Butte rises above its namesake Thunder Butte Creek, providing a focal point for the surrounding terrain. Small pockets of community infrastructure are visible, including the High Point Sch and St Luke Cem, reflecting the sparse but established rural life within the reservation during the mid-century era. The map also documents hydrological features like Spillway 2264, part of the larger development of the Missouri River Basin.