East River, West River

East River, West River Even before statehood, the Missouri River divided the state and her people into two distinct regions, East River and West River.

With farming in the east and ranching in the west, South Dakota has always had a split personality. The East River area is more like the eastern United States, and the West River area is more like the wild west. Even the weather changes from east to west. More rain in the east makes raising crops easier. Less rain in the west makes raising cattle more common. This program looks at the history of the state and how the East River, and West River split has affected the growth of the state.

Related Resources
Additional videos, activities, and more below.

Episode Activities

Watch Episode

Episode Quiz

Student Glossary

Crossword Puzzle (answers)

Discussion Cards

Tissue Paper Mural - Corn Palace Class Activity

That's Not My Habitat Class Activity

Script

Related Video Playlist

East River, West River Videos

YouTube Playlist with a variety episode related topics including old barns across South Dakota.

Grain Bin Hazards

A simple density activity that shows items can sink or float in materials other than water.

Dakota Life Video: Harvey Dunn

View examples of Harvey Dunn's prairie paintings, then create a local landscape painting to display.

Caves of Western South Dakota

Students will participate in an activity exploring their 5 senses, including touch, smell, hearing, sight, and taste.

Crescent Creamery: From Farm to Table

This archival video shows the steps in milk processing from intake through bottling.

West River Children's & Polio Center 1949

Students will learn about the iron lung medical device which was used to treat many polio patients.

Drop in South Dakota Honey Production

South Dakota is an ideal place for honeybees, but conditions make it difficult. (Image - Deep Creek Honey)

Change at the Climate Divide

Historically, the 100th meridian marked the shift from the wet east to the drier west. Now that's changing.

Power to the People

Rural electrification changed life on farms, especially those involved in dairy and poultry production.

Black Hills Lookout Towers

A list of fire lookouts: some active, open to the public, and closed, and how to get there, and what you'll see.

Autonomous Ag Revolution

There’s something different about this tractor. The cab is empty.

The Lumber Industry in the Black Hills

Black Hills Sawmills: popping up in Rockerville, Rapid City, Deadwood, Hill City, and Hot Springs

Black Settlers of the Great Plains

A rush of European and other settlers hoping for a fresh start entered Dakota territory after the Civil War.

Farmer Starts Oatmeal Company

Most farmers grow and sell commodity crops but a Brown Co. farmer decided to cut out the middleman.

Rammed Earth Construction

Turkeys were placed in wood, concrete, and earth barns. Those surviving winter were in a rammed earth building.

Round Barns in South Dakota

Most round barns were built in the East River area.

1869 Log Home - Clay County

A house nestled in the Missouri River bluffs is Clay County's oldest dwelling.

Sioux Falls Stockyards: 1917 - 2009

The livestock trade was highly significant in the growth of Sioux Falls and neighboring communities.

Hemp Industry Growth After Legalization

Officials resisted legalizing hemp. That changed when a bill was signed authorizing production of the crop.

Officials Uncertain About Bear Population

The number of bear sightings is up

For more information about

SDPB's educational resources and services,

contact Steven Rokusek at [email protected]

(605)222-3422

(E&O Staff)

South Dakota Content Standards

Set by the SD Board of Education

Dakota Pathway Resources

Additional Resources