Times can be tough today, but our problems are nothing compared to what people faced about a century ago. They called it the Dust Bowl and the Dirty Thirties, and it was a hard, hard time to be alive in South Dakota. As the economy started to fail in the late 1920s, South Dakota farmers tried to compensate for low crop prices by planting more. The overworked land quickly became stressed and the soil lacked the nutrients needed to grow plants. Then the drought hit the state, bringing with it harsh winds and dust storms. From the early 1930s to the early ’40s, South Dakotans struggled with one of the worst crises we had ever faced. While our state certainly wasn’t the only place affected by the terrible drought and dust storms, it’s a part of our history that those who lived through it will never forget. Take a look at the following photos of the 1930s Dust Bowl in South Dakota to see a glimpse of just how trying these years were.

1. This chicken coop is almost completely covered.
Library of Congress
2. The machinery in the yard of this farm isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
United States Department of Agriculture/Wikimedia
3. This hog house has a huge drift of dust starting to consume it.
Library of Congress
4. This is another view of the same home. It looks like a photo from the deserts of the Middle East!
Library of Congress
5. Here's an approaching dust storm. Can you imagine how terrifying it would be to see a wall of dust coming toward you?
Library of Congress
6. This eerie photo shows the drought conditions in Pennington County in 1936.
Library of Congress
7. Many families headed west to find work and to escape the Dust Bowl. Between 1930 and 1940, more than 50,000 people moved out of South Dakota.
Library of Congress
8. These South Dakotans moved to Oregon in July of 1936. They were able to drive about 200 miles per day in their Model T Ford and slept in a tent along the way.
Library of Congress
9. Those who stayed struggled to survive. If you ever wonder how your grandparents were so tough... this is why.
Library of Congress

Check out this footage from USA Today of a modern-day South Dakota dust storm if you’re having trouble envisioning what this would look like in person:

Do you have any family stories about the South Dakota dust storms? We’d love to hear them in the comments!

Our state’s history is undeniably fascinating. For proof of this, here are some of the oldest photos ever taken in South Dakota.

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south dakota dust storm

Beth C. | July 10, 2022

What are the most interesting historical sites in South Dakota?

The following are some of the most interesting historical sites in South Dakota:

  • Bear Butte in Meade County was designated as a state park in 1961. This destination holds spiritual significance for the Plains Indian tribes. In fact, there have been artifacts found here that date back 10,000 years. When you visit, you can look forward to learning about the history of the area as well as hiking, fishing, camping, and horseback riding.
  • The Deadwood Historic District in Lawrence County will make you feel like you've traveled back in time the moment you set foot in this historic region. Back in the day, saloons and gambling houses were common.
  • Blood Run Site
  • Wounded Knee National Historic Landmark
  • Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial
  • USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial
  • Jewel Cave National Monument.

 

How many of these famous historic sites in South Dakota have you experienced?

Where can I go in South Dakota that only the locals know about?

Some of the places you can go in South Dakota that only locals know about include:

  • Good Earth State Park
  • McCrory Gardens
  • Hidden Hill Lodge
  • Sage Creek Wilderness Area
  • Minuteman Missle Historical Site
  • PaleoAdventures
  • Terrace Park
  • Little Elk Cottage
  • Palisades State Park.

 

Learn more about these hidden gems in South Dakota that you're sure to love!

 

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