Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Railroads in Dakota Territory

South Dakota State Historical Society

In South Dakota, as in most of the mid-western and western United States, railroads played a vital role in growth and settlement. Railroad companies even recruited homesteaders in Europe and mapped out towns for the new arrivals.

The history of railroads in the state goes back to the early 1860s when Dakota Territory lawmakers chartered the first railroad company. Rick Mills is director of the South Dakota State Railroad Museum in Hill City. He’s also a part of the South Dakota Humanities Council’s Speakers' Bureau with programs commemorating the state’s 125th anniversary.

Mills  joined Dakota Midday with and discussed the development of railroading and its impact in Dakota Territory from 1861 to statehood in 1889.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.