Pictorial Map of South Dakota by Ruth Taylor White, 1935: Sioux Falls, Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, Missouri River, Badlands

Step into the whimsical world of 1930s Americana with “South Dakota,” the original title of this vibrant pictorial map crafted by the celebrated Ruth Taylor White in 1935. As part of her renowned pictorial atlas series, this map offers a lively tableau of South Dakota, blending geography with the spirited character of its people and landscapes. White’s playful artistry transforms the state into a canvas of color and caricature, inviting viewers to explore its counties, borders, and the storied Missouri River that gracefully bisects the land. Each detail is meticulously rendered, from the undulating hills to the rich agricultural plains, capturing the essence of a state at the heart of the American experience.

Ruth Taylor White, the creative force behind this map, was celebrated for her ability to infuse cartography with personality and humor. Her work transcended the traditional boundaries of mapmaking, turning each piece into a narrative tapestry that delighted both children and adults. In “South Dakota,” White’s unique style is unmistakable: bold lines, vivid hues, and animated figures bring to life the state’s people, wildlife, and industries. Her illustrations reflect not only the geography but also the cultural heartbeat of the era, making her maps highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of historical Americana.

The map’s design is a feast for the eyes, featuring a harmonious blend of thematic and pictorial elements. The counties of South Dakota are clearly delineated, each adorned with charming vignettes that highlight regional activities and local color. The Black Hills rise in dramatic fashion, home to the iconic Mount Rushmore, which is lovingly illustrated to underscore its national significance. The Badlands, with their distinctive rock formations, are depicted with a sense of wonder, while the vast prairies teem with scenes of cattle ranching, wheat farming, and the majestic bison—an enduring symbol of the American West.

Historical and cultural references abound throughout the map, reflecting the era’s fascination with both progress and heritage. Native American motifs and figures are thoughtfully included, acknowledging the state’s Indigenous roots and the enduring presence of its first peoples. Mining activities near the Black Hills, scenes of hunting and fishing, and nods to the state’s robust agricultural tradition paint a vivid picture of South Dakota’s economic and social life in the early twentieth century. The map’s light-hearted tone, set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, offers a sense of optimism and resilience.

Anchoring the map are the cities and towns that have shaped South Dakota’s story, from the bustling streets of Sioux Falls and Rapid City to the historic charm of Pierre, Aberdeen, and Brookings. Each settlement is carefully labeled, reflecting its prominence in the state’s modern landscape. The map’s playful yet precise depiction of these communities, set amidst rivers, mountains, and open plains, serves as both a celebration of place and a historical record. “South Dakota” by Ruth Taylor White stands as a testament to the enduring power of artful cartography, inviting collectors to own a piece of history that is as enchanting as it is informative.

Cities and towns on this map

• Sioux Falls
• Rapid City
• Aberdeen
• Brookings
• Watertown
• Mitchell
• Yankton
• Pierre (state capital)
• Huron
• Vermillion
• Spearfish
• Mobridge
• Madison
• Belle Fourche
• Chamberlain
• Winner
• Milbank
• Sisseton
• Hot Springs
• Lemmon

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The Missouri River is prominently illustrated, running through the state.
• The Black Hills region is depicted with mountainous illustrations and related imagery.
• Mount Rushmore is illustrated, highlighting its significance as a national monument.
• Native American figures and motifs are depicted, reflecting the state's Indigenous heritage.
• Agricultural scenes, such as cattle ranching and wheat farming, are illustrated across the state.
• Bison (buffalo) are shown, referencing the region's wildlife and history.
• Mining activity is depicted in the western part of the state, especially near the Black Hills.
• The Badlands are illustrated with dramatic rock formations.
• Recreational activities, such as fishing and hunting, are shown.
• The state border is clearly marked, with neighboring states faintly indicated.
• County boundaries and names are labeled throughout the map.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: South Dakota
• Original title: South Dakota.
• Date created: 1935
• Mapmaker: Ruth Taylor White
• Publisher/context: The map is part of a whimsical pictorial atlas of the United States, known for its engaging and colorful illustrations.
• Style: County or State Thematic and Pictorial map, characterized by playful, cartoon-like artwork.
• Artistic purpose: The map uses charming and humorous illustrations to capture the spirit, culture, and stereotypes of South Dakota as seen in the 1930s.
• Thematic focus: The map highlights regional activities, industries, and cultural elements, reflecting both the geography and the social character of the state.
• Design elements: The map features vibrant colors, exaggerated figures, and lively scenes, making it visually appealing and accessible.
• Historical context: Created during the Great Depression, the map offers a light-hearted perspective on American life and identity, serving as both entertainment and education.
• Collectible value: This map is considered a unique piece of Americana and is sought after by collectors of historical maps and pictorial atlases.
• Notable absence: The map does not focus on precise geographic accuracy, but rather on thematic and cultural representation.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.