Sod Houses on the Prairie

Reading

October 5, 2001

By Terry Sams

How it All Started:

• When the first settlers entered the Red River Valley of northern Dakota they were greeted by a sea of grass, waving in the wind, which extended across the territory. Although not a tree would obstruct their view for miles, it also meant that building shelter would not be easy without logs and lumber. The earliest settlers claimed the land along the few wooded rivers and streams, which provided timber for log homes and wood for fuel. But land near the rivers was quickly taken, and those who came next had to settle on the treeless prairie. Lumber was expensive to buy and not readily available. The prairie did, though, provide an unlimited resource that the settlers could use—sod.

One Family around 1865.

You can see grass growing on the roof.

Home Sweet Home

This one even has glass windows!

Sod House

• Can you describe this house?

• What would it be like in the summer?

• What would it be like in the winter?

What Would It Be Like to Live Here?