b) Sod Houses

Sod houses were commonly constructed on the Great Plains due to the lack of traditional building materials like wood and stone. Pioneers found the prairie covered in thick grass roots, which they cut into bricks and used to build homes. These sod houses, also known as “soddies,” were durable and insulated well against the extremes of prairie weather. While they were practical and economical, living in a sod house had challenges, including maintenance difficulties and the prevalence of insects. Nevertheless, these structures were a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of Great Plains settlers.