Dakota

The Story of the Northern Plains

By: Norman K. Risjord

Narrated by: William Williams

The northern plains are often ignored by the rest of the nation or, if not, are mentioned in the context of the weather, Mount Rushmore, or the Black Hills. However, North Dakota and South Dakota have a colorful past - and present - deserving of greater recognition.

Norman K. Risjord relates the remarkable histories of these two states, from the geological formation of the Great Plains to economic changes in the 21st century. Risjord takes the listener on a journey through the centuries detailing the first human inhabitants of the northern plains, the Lewis and Clark expedition, homesteading and railroad building, the political influence of the Progressive movement, the building of Mount Rushmore, and Wounded Knee II. Included are stories of such noteworthy characters as French explorer Vérendrye, the Lakota leader Red Cloud, North Dakota political boss Alexander McKenzie, and South Dakota Democrat George S. McGovern.

Despite the shared topography and the rivers that course through both states, the diverse reactions of the two states to the challenges of the 20th century provide opportunities for arresting comparisons. This captivating look at the Dakotas’ geography, ecology, politics, and culture is essential listening for Dakotans and those interested in the rich history of this important region.

The book is published by University of Nebraska Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

"A serious survey of the neglected story of the American midlands." (Annals of Iowa)

©2012 Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska (P)2019 Redwood Audiobooks

interesting but sometimes boring

way to much politics. Did Mount Rushmore, but never mentions Crazy Horse monument . More like a lecture than a story.

Flawed pronunciations give you pause

Chapt. 1: Informational beyond what I, a North Dakotan, thought I knew about the Northern Plains. However stout his presentation. though, the orator's numerous mispronunciations were like fingernails across the blackboard. My home county and the town mentioned are pronounced "Pem-bah-nah," not "Pem-bee-nay". North Dakotans say "Sa-ka-ka-we-ah," as in Lake Sakakawea, not "Saca-ja-we-ja". The old governor and senator was Bill "Lang-er," not "Lang-ger".
The politician from Wisconsin was "Lah-fall-et" (accent on "fall"), not "Lah-vo-let". The large reservoir below Bismarck is pronounced "Oh-hay," not "Ow-ie" (or somesuch).
Pronunciation of the town Belle Fourche along U.S. 85 in S.D. is "Bell Foosh," not "Bell Furch".
There were more, alas. Otherwise, well delivered.
Indeed, population of each state has shrunk since the thirties, though not necessarily because of weather, poor crops (N.D. has never had a statewide crop failure), or markets. A huge factor has been federal agricultural policies and draconian USDA practices that disfavor the family farm both in the Dakotas and nationwide to the benefit of large, corporate agri-businesses.
RHJ