The prairie houses in Out West were originally built in the decades after the Civil War continuing into the early part of the 20th century. During this time, the development of the railroad across this vast expanse, along with a surprisingly decent climate, created something of a farming boom. It all ended with the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, a calamity caused by an unfortunate combination of record droughts and improper farming techniques. The houses I photographed are the remnants from this period in history.
Unlike the row houses of Last House Standing, these houses were built by frontiersmen determined to seek a destiny in relative isolation. Despite their very different origins, both types of houses would eventually meet the same fate. While the prairie houses and their surroundings are remarkably austere, there is also present an almost otherworldly serenity that must have given hope to a landowner now long gone.
Logan County, CO
Sheridan County, NE
Kiowa County, CO
Klickitat County, WA
Grant County, WA
Morgan County, CO
Grant County, NE
Alamosa County, CO
Yuma County, CO