Looking for History on Highway 14 [Paperback]

John E. Miller (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Blending history, travelogue and reportage, Miller, professor of history at South Dakota State University, describes 16 small towns along Federal Highway 14 in South Dakota. In Brookings, he offers a close reading of the town's self-produced histories, observing that such boosterish accounts fail to reveal a community's character and development. In De Smet, he explores the "little town on the prairie" that served as the setting for five books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, while in Manchester, he investigates the scenic inspirations for prairie painter Harvey Dunn, "South Dakota's most beloved and most famous artist." A visit to Fort Pierre prompts his reflections on white domination of the native Sioux, while Mount Rushmore becomes a metaphor for how we define history as Miller considers who is left off the mountain sculpture--women, people of color, and common, working people. While Miller certainly proves that these towns have riches to be plumbed, his prose style is merely serviceable, and the parochialism of his topic limits this book primarily to regional interest. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Miller (history, South Dakota State Univ.) employs a blend of history and journalism to explore 15 towns on a major highway that runs through the middle of South Dakota. The author traces the history of the highway from its beginnings as a dirt trail to a hard-surfaced interstate, a revolution brought about by the automobile. The towns on the route include De Smet (site of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little Town on the Prairie ) and Fort Pierre (originally home to several Native American tribes). This work is filled with details about people and places along the road. The author's interest in small-town history and his affection for his state are evident on every page. This will be of interest to Dakota residents and travelers on Highway 14.
- Caroline Mitchell, Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: South Dakota State Historical Society Press (December 28, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0962262161
• ISBN-13: 978-0962262166
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #824,771 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Time marches on..., August 3, 2005

By 

M. Johnson (Harrold, SD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Looking for History on Highway 14 (Paperback)

Don't expect to find everything mentioned in the book; it's been awhile since it's been written. I can only speak for Harrold, SD, but the Centennial Cafe has been torn down, and Bohning's Grocery went out, though the building's still there. Still, it's a good history, and the most thorough one about the state that I've read. That includes the ones about Deadwood and Mt. Rushmore, because of their narrow scope.