Journal of a Prairie Voyage
July 14, 1883
Dear Diary,
Today, our covered wagon finally reached the western banks of the Red River, marking our arrival into Dakota Territory. The river crossing was terrifying. Pa had to guide our two horses, Barnaby and Clover, through the muddy water while Ma held tight to my little sister, Nellie. Water splashed against the wooden floorboards, soaking our canvas bags of flour and my favorite wool blanket. I squeezed my eyes shut and prayed we would not tip over into the rushing current. Thankfully, Barnaby pulled strong, and with a heavy lurch, our wagon wheels gripped the muddy bank on the other side.
We are officially on the North Dakota prairie now! As far as my eyes can see, an ocean of tall green grass stretches toward the horizon under a vast, pale blue sky. There are no tall trees or mountains to block the wind, which blows constantly and makes a low whistling sound against our canvas cover. Pa says we still have many miles to travel before we reach our homestead claim, where we will build a sod house out of prairie turf.
July 18, 1883
Dear Diary,
- canvas:
- A strong, heavy cloth used to make bags, tents, and wagon covers.
- horizon:
- The distant line where the sky appears to meet the earth.
- homestead:
- A piece of land acquired by a settler to live on and farm.
- sod:
- A surface layer of soil bound together by grass roots.
- turf:
- The grassy top layer of earth used as a building material.
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About this diary entry passage for Upper Elementary
âJournal of a Prairie Voyageâ is a diary entry reading passage about Pioneer Life in Dakota Territory, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (368 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.