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The 1888 Great Plains blizzard that claimed hundreds of lives

The Jan. 12, 1888, "Schoolchildren's Blizzard" swept across the Great Plains, killing at least 235 people — and possibly up to 500, according to some estimates — many of whom were children on their way home from school. Illustrations showing "Scenes and Incidents from the Recent Terrible Blizzard in Dakota" were published in the Jan. 28, 1888, edition of Frank Leslie's weekly newspaper.
Public Domain
The Jan. 12, 1888, "Schoolchildren's Blizzard" swept across the Great Plains, killing at least 235 people — and possibly up to 500, according to some estimates — many of whom were children on their way home from school. Illustrations showing "Scenes and Incidents from the Recent Terrible Blizzard in Dakota" were published in the Jan. 28, 1888, edition of Frank Leslie's weekly newspaper.

In the Moment is SDPB’s daily news and arts program.

On today's show:

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On January 12, 1888, a blizzard claimed the lives of hundreds of newcomers to the Great Plains, including a devastating number of schoolchildren. We talk with author Melanie Benjamin about her novel "The Children's Blizzard." The book is this year's South Dakota One Book.

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In the Moment airs live at 12CT/11MT. The audio from the day's show is attached soon after the show airs.

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