South Dakota Maps

South Dakota

Introduction to Maps
Several types of maps are useful for genealogists. Some give historical background of the area or show migration routes, such as roads, rivers, and railroads.

Topographical maps show physical and man-made features, such as creeks, hills, roads, cemeteries, and churches.'''

Plat and land ownership maps and other types of maps are described in the "United States Maps" section of the United States Research Outline'. Many maps are in published atlases.'''

United States Census Bureau State and County Map. This map will allow you to zoom in on any state or county in the United States and read the names of all of the neighboring counties.

University Libraries in South Dakota
University libraries in South Dakota have some of the best collections of maps for the state. Some of these resources may be accessed through Interlibrary Loan.

Family History Library Resources
The Family History Library has a few maps of the Dakota Territory published in the mid-1860s. Other maps of South Dakota from territorial status to statehood and later are available at the Family History Library

United State Geological Survey, South Dakota: Index to topographic and other map coverage. Reston, Virginia: U.S.G.S., 1983?. (Family History Library Book 978.3 A1 no. 54.) This book includes an index of the many maps available by the U.S. Geological Survey, as well as a guide to assist users in selecting and purchasing maps.

Mitchell, Samuel Augustus. County and Township Map of Dakota. Salt Lake City, UT: Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1988. (Family History Library Microfilm 1320720, Item 11.) This is a film of maps at a scale of about 1 inch to 40 miles.

Johnson and Ward. Johnson's Minnesota and Dakota.Salt Lake City, UT: Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1975. (Family History Library Microfilm 940022, Item 11; Family History Library Map Case 973 E7jm.) This map shows the Dakotas as unsurveyed land at a scale of about 1:[2,534,400] or (1" to 2,534,400 miles).

Map of the state of South Dakota: Compiled from the official records of the General Land Office and other sources.Washington, District of Columbia: A.B. Graham Photo Litho., 1901. (Family History Library Map Case 978.3 E7ug 1901.) This map is displayed on a scale of 1:760,320 (1" to 760,320 miles).

United States: Department of Interior. Maps. Washington, District of Columbia: National Archives, Central Plains Region, 1976. (Family History LibraryMicrofilm 1012663, Item 6.) This is a collection of maps on microfilm. The following maps specific to South Dakota are: South Dakota, 1910; Part of the United States west of the Mississippi River, 1926; Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, South Dakota, 1911; Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, 1914.

DeLorme Mapping Company. South Dakota Atlas and Gazetteer.Yarmouth, Maine: DeLorme, c2004. (FHL Large Q Book 978.3 E7s.)

Maps are listed in the Locality Search of the Family History Library Catalog under:


 * SOUTH DAKOTA - MAPS


 * SOUTH DAKOTA, [COUNTY] - MAPS


 * SOUTH DAKOTA, [COUNTY], [CITY] - MAPS

Online Resources

 * South Dakota Maps and Gazetteers


 * South Dakota Digital Map Library
 * South Dakota State Map Collection
 * WorldAtlas.com: South Dakota: Maps'
 * South Dakota University Maps
 * The State Department of Tourism will send you a large map (45"x 18") for free.
 * Merriam-Webster's Atlas: South Dakota

Printable maps are also available from the National Atlas of the United States -- http://nationalatlas.gov/printable.html