Unknown Story

Before 1870- The great plains were a large unsettled territory where traditional native peoples lived.

Transcontinental railroad- an easier way to move west, ship cattle, and crops. Encouraged migration west

Homestead act- promised settlers that they could have 160 acres of land as long as they farmed for 5 years.

Barbed wire- wires used to enclosed cattle and make sure they are safe from predators safe from the open range

Open range- Public lands that do not belong to anyone, they have no fences.

Sod house- Houses made from thick clumps of grass and soil cut into bricks.

Conditions- Not many materials for buildings, lack of rain and fuel, extreme temperatures, area isolated.

Steel plow- helped farmers break through soil with horse drawn steel plows. Made up for the lack of man power on the farms.

Indian wars- Later a series of skirmishes between natives and settlers broke out and lasted about 25 years

The effects of the settlement- Clashes with the natives, the open range was closed, the cattle and crops increased, the cowboy was introduced because of the settlement.

We're moving west!

I'm going to get more property

Groundwater wells- wells dug hundreds of feet deep to get to the groundwater

Windmills- powered pumps that brought the groundwater to the surface

This is so much easier!

Good job Horse, your doing great!

I wish we had more materials

Hello! These are the great plains!