Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1907-06-20
OPENING a NEW EMPIRE
A New 0rner of Things is Noticea-
Bile West of the River.

"A N0W OAuel VI lungs IS NOL1CeA-
Bile West of the River.
To understand the rapidity with
which conditions are changing in all
| that part of South Dakota west of the
Missouri river, it is necessary for one
to go short distance away from home.
He will notice unmistakable signs of q
| new order of things as he travels in any
| direction. The reason is that the first
tide of immigration consequent upon
| railroad extention west Of the river has
followed as closely as possible the
| the located lines of railroad survey.
These are practically east and west
lines, and naturally, public lands near
est the railroads were the first to be
located. The country intervening be-
tween the lines crossing from Chamber
lain and Pierre to Rapid City and the
| Milwaukee west from Evarts, which
| follows the north line of the state, has
waited until the choicest of the lands
nearer the railroads have been taken.
Now the overflow to the north from the
southern lines, and to the south from
the northern lines has commenced. In
one district known as Big Meadows, on
and near Thunder Butte creek, in
Butts county, possibly 200 locators
have settled, AS far as forty miles south
OF the Milwaukee road. So insistent is
| the demand for land that it now seems
probable that a chain of settlements
will De extended across the country
from the north line of the state to the
Pierre, Rapid City road within the
present year. .ss47
1t is noticeable that people coming
into this new country are, as rule,
better equipped to stay and make i'm
provements than those who last year
made filings. 1t needs not that anyone
should be close observer to conclude
that those people will stay AS newt
able as the companies with their herds
OF thousands have been displaced by
the small holder, with his small herd,
VIII the latter give way to the man who
will devote himself to diversified farm.
ing and raise and annually market q
score or 30 of beeves and hogs. Here
and there in small districts so rolling
as TO discourage any attempt at agricul-
ture, limited herds OF cattle will be- kept
but the country as a whole will be oc-
cupied by the people competent to pro-
duce the most from it. 1t requires
very short trip to the centers of the new
activity to impress the observer with
| the fact.
Within the area referred to there are
limited districts Of exceptional fe1til-
lty. There are specially favored locali.
ties where conditions are more desirable
than are to be found in others. AS the
public lands pass into private owner.
ship, and the appreciation in land val
ues are consequently accelerated, such
districts must reap the greatest benefit
in enhancement Favorably located as
togood markets, fertile soil, good cli--
matte. conditions. and beautiful sur.
ronndings, what district in all western
South Dakota can compare with the
Speariish valley and contiguous lands,
in appealing to those who are able and
desire to establish comfortable and de.
lightful homes?
Set amid such surroundings, with
everything that can be desired in way
| OF natural location and environments
what locality can look to the future
with greater confidence than that
portion of the state lying west of the
| Missouri river?
Government homesteads are yet to
be had, but the day is not far distant
when the last will be claimed.