A Day in the Life of Nebraskans in the 1850's

As we end the 1850’s it’s time to look back and reflect on life in Nebraska during the past decade. In the 1850s, a day in the life of Nebraska's settlers was characterized by hard work, self-reliance, and the constant battle against the elements. The morning began before sunrise with chores; men and boys would tend to livestock, repair tools, or start plowing fields, while women and girls managed the household, cooking over open fires, making clothes, and tending to children or smaller gardens.

Homes were often sod houses, built from the prairie soil itself, providing insulation against the extreme temperatures but offering little comfort. Water was drawn from wells or streams, and if there was no nearby water source, it might involve a long trek. Food was simple and self-sufficient, with diets heavy on corn, wheat, and whatever meat could be hunted or raised.

Afternoons might involve community work like building or repairing structures, or trading with neighbors for supplies or services. Education was informal, often taught by the family or during communal gatherings. Social life was minimal but vital, with settlers coming together for church, barn raisings, or to share news and resources.

Evenings meant more chores, perhaps mending or reading by candlelight, before an early bedtime to rest for the next day's labors. This life was one of endurance, where every day was a testament to survival in the unforgiving Nebraska frontier.

From the Nebraska Journal Herald in 1859.

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