In this episode of Rooted in the Plains, we explore the life and letters of Elinore Pruitt Stewart, whose homesteading experience in early 20th-century Wyoming offers one of the clearest windows into the daily lives of frontier women. From milking cows to cutting hay, Elinore’s vivid, often humorous letters reveal a life shaped by grit, joy and self-reliance.
Discover how a housekeeper became an expected literary voice and why her words still resonate today. Through Elinore’s story, we connect with the deeper truths the Great Plains, its isolation, its beauty and the women who shaped it.
Want to see more? See photos, maps and more glimpses of prairie life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedintheplains
Want to learn more? Check out these sources.
Stewart, Elinore Pruitt. Letters of a Woman Homesteader. 1914.
https://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/elinore-pruitt-stewart-writer-and-homesteader
https://www.nps.gov/home/index.htm
https://dsl.richmond.edu/panorama/homesteading/map/ (Interactive Map)
4WDx7WG4mkTCy4Z0xWdG
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!