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This house was built in 1909 as part of the Homestead act of 1867, which said that the head of a family (or person over age 21) could file for 160 acres of land. A fee of $18 was charged, and the homesteader had to be on the land and start improvements within 6 months, and had to farm 10 acres and establish a residence for 5 years. A common remark by homesteaders (esp. in the Badlands area) was that "The government bet you 160 acres of land against $18 that you will starve to death before you'll live on the land 5 years." This homestead is rare, because not only does it still exist, but it's in reasonably good condition and most of the house is original. Sod was used extensively in the house, including the walls and ceiling. The Prairie Homestead near the Badlands of South Dakota (08/15/2004)