Near Beatrice in Gage County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Deep Roots in the Earth
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 30, 2011
1. Deep Roots in the Earth Marker
The most important part of a living prairie is something you can't see without taking a shovel in hand. The dense, interlocking roots of prairie grasses make an underground structure unlike anything seen in the woodlands of the East. The insects, birds, and grazing animals homesteaders first saw on these prairies all depended on the flowering plants and grasses grown in this native plant display and that unseen mat of deep roots.
Beside sod for building homes, how did homesteaders adapt prairie plants for their use?
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Native Americans • Natural Resources • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 40° 17.439′ N, 96° 50.047′ W. Marker is near Beatrice, Nebraska, in Gage County. Marker is along the Farm Loop Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8523 West Nebraska Hwy 4, Beatrice NE 68310, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Legacy of Change (within shouting distance of this marker); Roads to Success
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Homestead National Monument of America. (Submitted on September 26, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Sod Homes: Be It Ever So Humble. (Submitted on September 26, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Prairie Preservation. (Submitted on September 26, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
4. Sod Wall Construction. (Submitted on September 26, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
5. The Physical Environment of the Great Plains. (Submitted on September 26, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 30, 2011
2. Deep Roots in the Earth Marker
Looking southeast. The Homestead Heritage Center is in far distant upper left of photo, looking across the Freeman Homestead.
Photographed By Unknown, undated
3. Photo on Deep Roots in the Earth Marker
Background photo showing cut sod
Photographed By National Park Service, undated
4. Deep Roots in the Earth Marker Detail
[Caption reads] Extensive root systems made for strong buildings.
Photographed By Unknown, undated
5. Photo on Deep Roots in the Earth Marker
[Caption reads] American Indians like the Omaha built large earth lodges.
Photographed By Unknown, undated
6. Photo on Deep Roots in the Earth Marker
[Caption reads] Homesteaders cut sod and built houses.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 515 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 26, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
