Dakota Datebook

By Prairie PublicSociety & Culture

Dakota Datebook episodes

August 16, 2023 August 16: The Death of Vernon Squires
On this date in 1930, Vernon Squires, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of North Dakota, died after a long illness.
4 min
August 15, 2023 August 15: When Joshua Pilcher's men burned Arikara villages
On this date in 1823, Joshua Pilcher's men burned Arikara villages to the ground. This was directly against the express orders of Colonel Leavenworth.
3 min
August 14, 2023 August 14: Teachings of Our Elders - Joseph White Mountain on Teaching Language
In this episode of Dakota Datebook, we'll hear Joseph White Mountain, enrolled member of the Standing Rock Nation, talk about the importance of teaching the language.
3 min
August 11, 2023 August 11: Lake Johnson Historic Site
Today, Lake Johnson sees few visitors. Yet, strategically located along the communication and supply lines between US military forts and the immigrant trail to Montana, Lake Johnson was an important watering hole on the plains of Dakota Territory for much of the 19th century.
3 min
August 10, 2023 August 10: Attack on Arikara Villages
This date in 1823 saw the second day of combat in “The Arikara War.” That morning, Colonel Leavenworth's Sixth Infantry bombarded the upper and lower villages of the Arikara in the vicinity of what is now Mobridge, South Dakota. His howitzers attacking the upper village mostly fell into the Missouri River or onto the river sands. By noon, his artillery ran out of ammunition.
3 min
August 09, 2023 August 9: Bank Robbery Mix-Up
In early August in 1930, a group of armed, unmasked men robbed the Dakota National Bank and Trust Co. in Bismarck. They walked in around 2:30pm on August 7, forced customers and staff in the bank to lie on the floor, and then looted the vault. They locked the employees and customers in the vault, then left. After a few minutes, the employees liberated themselves and their patrons.
3 min
August 08, 2023 August 8: Crossing the Wide Missouri
Crossing the Missouri River could be a daunting task before the construction of bridges. In the earliest days of westward expansion, travelers had to ford the river. This was easier at times of low water, although the river is known as the “Big Muddy” for a reason. Wagons could easily get bogged down in the mud of the river bottom.
3 min
August 07, 2023 August 7: Teachings of Our Elders - Violet Smith on Respecting All Things
On today's Dakota Datebook, we'll learn about the importance of respect for all things from Spirit Lake Dakota Elder Violet Smith.
3 min
August 04, 2023 August 4: Newspaper Editors Welcomed to Williston
On this date in 1910, visitors were already arriving in Williston for a conference that promised to be big. It was for North Dakota newspaper editors.
3 min
August 03, 2023 August 3: The Badlands
One might wonder how such a beautiful place came to be known as the Badlands. That name came about before the marked hiking trails, onsite bathrooms, and water pumps. For white settlers and soldiers going west, the landscape was dry and difficult for travel. Looking back on records from General Alfred Sully’s expeditions, we can hear firsthand why they hated this land.
3 min

About Dakota Datebook

From the publisher's feed

Sitting Bull to Phil Jackson, cattle to prairie dogs, knoefla to lefse. North Dakota's legacy includes many strange stories of eccentric towns, war heroes, and various colorful characters. Hear all about them on Dakota Datebook, your daily dose of North Dakota history.