Pioneer Homes

Indian Homes

We can learn a lot about a people and their culture by exploring the kinds of homes they build. Examine the homes of the following Indian groups:

The Sioux Indians of the Great Plains made their teepees from animal skins and poles.

The Pueblo of southwestern United States built their homes of adobe and timbers.

The Ioway Indians of central Iowa built their homes from bark and poles.

Hypothesis

Why did each of these Indian groups choose to build their homes from very different material?

Test Your Hypothesis

Write your hypothesis in your notebook. Then check your answer.

The pioneer settlers who moved into Iowa after 1833, discovered large areas of prairie. They also found forested areas along the many streams and rivers that cut through the state.

Native vegetation in Iowa prior to pioneer settlement. Most of the forests were located along the rivers. The prairie grass covered the rest of the state.

Hypothesis

As Indian cultures developed, they created distinct building styles and traditions when making their homes. They built their homes from available materials found in their environment.

From what materials do you think Iowa pioneer settlers built their homes?