The History of Badlands National Monument and the White River (Big) Badlands of South Dakota

The History of Badlands National Monument and the White River (Big) Badlands of South Dakota

Author: Robert A. Grom

Publisher: Good Press

Published: 2023-11-19

Total Pages: 112

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In 'The History of Badlands National Monument and the White River (Big) Badlands of South Dakota', editors Robert A. Grom and Ray H. Mattison curate an absorbing collection that spans both historical analysis and cultural appreciation, celebrating the intricate history of one of America's most starkly beautiful landscapes. The anthology adeptly combines a variety of literary styles, from academic essays to personal narratives, each contributing to a richer understanding of the Badlands' multifaceted past. This diverse approach not only highlights the geological and anthropological significance of the region but also sheds light on its influence on American identity, art, and literature. The standout pieces within the collection embody this diversity, offering readers a comprehensive view of the Badlands' enduring allure. The contributing authors, including editors Grom and Mattison, bring a wealth of expertise and perspectives. Their backgrounds in history, geology, and Native American studies contribute to a nuanced exploration of the Badlands. This anthology aligns with broader historical and cultural movements, painting a vivid picture of the dynamic interactions between human societies and the natural world. The collective experience and insights of these authors enrich the anthology, offering readers a deeper appreciation of the complexities and beauty of the Badlands region. Recommended for scholars, students, and anyone with an interest in American history or natural landscapes, this collection offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the Badlands through a rich tapestry of voices and perspectives. It encourages readers to engage with the works not just as historical documents, but as pieces of a larger conversation about the significance of place and the ever-evolving relationship between humanity and the natural environment. The anthology stands as a testament to the power of collective scholarly exploration and the importance of preserving and studying America's natural and cultural heritage.


The White River Badlands

The White River Badlands

Author: Rachel C. Benton

Publisher: Indiana University Press

Published: 2015-05-25

Total Pages: 257

ISBN-13: 0253016088

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This guide to the South Dakota region that houses the world’s richest fossil beds does “an excellent job of presenting the current state of knowledge” (Choice). The forbidding Big Badlands in Western South Dakota contain the richest fossil beds in the world. Even today these rocks continue to yield new specimens brought to light by snowmelt and rain washing away soft rock deposited on a floodplain long ago. The quality and quantity of the fossils are superb: most of the species to be found there are known from hundreds of specimens. The fossils in the White River Group (and similar deposits in the American west) preserve the entire late Eocene through the middle Oligocene, roughly 35-30 million years ago and more than thirty million years after non-avian dinosaurs became extinct. The fossils provide a detailed record of a period of abrupt global cooling and what happened to creatures who lived through it. This book is a comprehensive reference to the sediments and fossils of the Big Badlands, and also touches on National Park Service management policies that help protect such significant fossils. Includes photos and illustrations “A worthy successor to the work of O’Harra.” —Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology


Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park

Author: Jan Cerney

Publisher: Arcadia Publishing

Published: 2004-01-01

Total Pages: 132

ISBN-13: 9780738532264

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The South Dakota Badlands seldom fails to stir a sense of wonder to those who encounter its surreal landscape for the first time. From a distance, the eroded formations look like the ruins of an alabaster city, but upon closer inspection, the sculptured terrain appears rough and rugged. Within these pages of historic photographs, the remarkable story of the Badlands unfolds. After the process of geological changes, Indians came to the Badlands on seasonal hunting trips. In the mid 1800s, fur traders, fossil hunters, and freight haulers passed through to places more hospitable. Cattlemen and homesteaders arrived in the 1890s, intent on staying, but most gave up and left. To preserve its grandeur, Congressman Peter Norbeck and his associate Ben Millard worked for many years to set aside thousands of acres of the unyielding land for a national monument in 1939. The Badlands became a national park in 1978.