Before the arrival of Europeans, the Great Plains were primarily inhabited by various Indigenous tribes, such as the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Comanche. The region was characterized by vast grasslands, which supported large herds of buffalo and diverse wildlife, forming the backbone of the Indigenous way of life. The Plains peoples were skilled hunters and gatherers, utilizing the land's resources sustainably and developing rich cultural traditions tied to their environment. The landscape was also marked by seasonal migrations and complex social structures among the tribes.
20,000 years ago
The federal government
natural grassland; fields of corn
The Sioux were the dominant power on the northern and central Great Plains.
native americans
natives.
wild grassesapex
The Great Plains.
guts
Swede
great plains
good land
20,000 years ago
After Europeans arrived, life in the Great Plains dramatically changed for Indigenous peoples. They experienced significant disruptions to their traditional ways of living, including the introduction of new trade goods and technologies, but also devastating impacts from disease, displacement, and conflict. The arrival of settlers and the expansion of agriculture led to the loss of vast tracts of land, altering their access to resources and fundamentally transforming their societies. Additionally, the introduction of horses revolutionized transportation and hunting practices, further reshaping their lifestyles.
The federal government
the horse.
natural grassland; fields of corn