1954 Map of Wasta NW

About this map

The Cheyenne River winds through this mid-century Dakota landscape, forming a natural boundary between Meade and Pennington Counties. This 1954 field-checked survey depicts a sparsely settled ranching region characterized by extensive drainage systems and draws. Along the river’s western banks, the Sunnyside area sits below the dissected bluffs, while the upland plains are dotted with essential frontier infrastructure such as a lone Windmill and the rural Power Sch. The map reveals the intricate network of seasonal waterways feeding the river system, including Elk Creek, Alkali Creek, and Bull Cr. Significant geographical features like Telegraph Draw, Fivemile Draw, and the curiously labeled Shyne terrain highlight the distinct local naming conventions of the Missouri River Basin development era.