The Prairie Homestead, located in mid-state South Dakota, was home for Mr. and Mrs. Ed Brown, beginning in 1909. The Brown family, including two children, grew up on a farm in Iowa. Later, the couple and one son moved from Pierce, Nebraska to try their farming skills further west. Because the area of South Dakota was originally set aside for Indian reservations, it became the last area in the United States to be opened for homesteading. This area, between the Cheyenne and White rivers was surveyed in 1892 and settled from 1900 until 1913. All that was required was to farm five acres of land and after residence for eighteen months, the 160 acres could be purchased for 50 cents per acre. For 80 dollars, Mr. Brown received patent on the land.
The prairie homes were constructed of cottonwood and the roofs were covered with buffalo grass sod. The typical homes were dug into the side of a small hill and provided coolness in the hot summer, as well as warmth in the winter. Sodbusters led a difficult life. The plot of 160 acres could only support eight head of cattle. With little rainfall, crops were sparse and seldom harvested. Living in poverty, coupled with the harsh winters (when families resorted to burning fencepost for heat), tested the resolve of these brave homesteaders.