The Middle Border

The Middle Border encompasses North and South Dakota and adjacent areas of surrounding states. The term "Middle Border" was coined by author Hamlin Garland, who spent homesteading years in Dakota Territory and wrote multiple books. The museum focus is on the period from 1600 through 1939.

The large mural seen as you enter the gallery depicts those individuals involved in the creation of the museum. On the left you will see, Leland D. Case who had the big idea to recognize and honor those hearty souls who came to the Middle Border. Others involved in the organization of the Friends of the Middle Border included Hamlin Garland, Senator Francis Case, Frank Lloyd Wright, Carl Sanburg, Harvey Dunn, Gutzon Borglum, James Earle Fraser, Badger Clark, Rose Wilder Lane, and John Dewey. Major artists included Oscar Howe and Charles Hargens. The upper right corner is J. Leonard Jennewein, DWU faculty and long time director. He was the major inflluence in the big idea becoming a reality. 

As you move through the audio tour, pause as needed to view exhibits.

As you passed through the entrance of the museum you saw the original plaster sculptures of Lewis and Clark by noted sculptor James Earle Fraser. Castings from these models are at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. As a young child, James Earle Fraser moved to Mitchell, South Dakota in 1881. He is known for his sculpture, "End of the Trail", depicting a sad warrior with a bowed head on a horse with a lowered head. He also designed the Buffalo Nickel, many military medals and statues. 

Lewis and Clark left St. Louis on their upstream journey in May of 1804. Sacajawea and her two month old baby helped the party on their journey. This was the beginning of the Middle Border. 

The Middle Border Museum History Gallery honors those who carved lives from the land. It celebrates the Native peoples, pioneers, homesteaders, and depression era survivors. The gallery features eight expansive murals by artists, Don Ruleaux and Mike Sougstad. Ruleaux, a Lakota Sioux, brings Indigenous perspectives to life, while Sougstad's sweeping murals evoke the vast skies and rolling plains. Together they tell the story of struggle and endurance. Their art combines with displays of artifacts and documents, immerses visitors in the eras challenges and triumphs.