Pioneer Living Conditions In My Antonia

Pioneer Living Conditions in Nineteenth Century Nebraska

As depicted in “My Antonia,” many people of the Nebraskan frontier lived in sod houses. Most sod houses had dirt floors while others had wooden planks or carpet. Temperatures in these houses were comfortable year-round because the thick, soil and grass walls kept heat in during the winter and out during the summer. There were persistent issues that came with living in sod houses, such as perpetual dirtiness and roof leaks, but for most, the inexpensive and generally comfortable homes were worth the issues.

More challenges arose when one exited the safety of one's sod house. The plain's grasses could grow more than six feet tall, and, with few distinguishing landmarks like trees or