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,

Life on the trail is exhausting, but every day brings a new surprise. This afternoon, while Pa was greasing the heavy wooden wagon wheels and Ma was preparing a stew over a campfire, Nellie and I spotted a herd of pronghorn antelope racing across the plain. They moved so quickly that they looked like flashes of tan and white light gliding over the grass.

At night, the prairie transforms into a completely different world. Without any town lights, the stars shine so brightly that it feels like you could reach up and pick them out of the sky like glowing berries. However, the nights are also full of strange, lonely noises. Last night, the mournful howls of coyotes kept me awake for hours. I curled up tightly under my blanket, listening to the gentle snoring of my family and the steady breathing of the horses tethered nearby. Settling this wild land will not be easy, but when I look out at the wide, open sky, I feel a tiny spark of excitement for our new home.