Looking for History on Highway 14

by John E. Miller

Book by Miller, John E.

Genres: Nonfiction

274 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 1993

About the author

John E. Miller was an American historian and longtime professor at South Dakota State University, where he taught courses in U.S. history, South Dakota history, and historical methods from 1974 until his retirement in 2003, later continuing briefly as adjunct faculty. Educated at the University of Missouri and the University of Wisconsin, he also served in the U.S. Army and taught overseas before beginning his academic career. A prolific scholar, he wrote extensively on Midwestern history, politics, creativity, and small town culture, and became especially known for his studies of Laura Ingalls Wilder. His books include Looking for History on Highway 14, Becoming Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Democracy's Troubles. Miller conducted numerous oral history interviews and contributed to major historical projects and organizations. Over his career, he received multiple awards recognizing his scholarship, including honors from regional historical societies and academic institutions, and was widely respected for his teaching, research, and engagement with public history.

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Miller writes a 'theme-oriented' chapter for each town along ..Highway 14 as it runs through South Dakota from East to West: Elkton is primarily about the building of Highway 14 and how it is rerouted north of Elkton when it is paved; Brookings is about how to write local history; Ipswich is about farming; DeSmet is about - yep - LIW; Manchester is about Harvey Dunn; Huron is about failure; Miller is about family dynasty and real estate; Highmore is about the county seat; Harrold is about always being small; Pierre is about the St Charles Hotel and Mr. Hyde; Ft. Pierre is about broken treaties; Midland is about West River depots; Phillips is about a depot turned hardware store; Wall is about the free cold water; and Mt. Rushmore is about how Doane Robinson wanted pioneer characters but Borglum went for the republican view. Rundown of well-known vignettes of SD history; too well-worn, less charming.

[Anastasia Karel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't quite finished the book, but overall I liked it. Also, I bought the book as a souvenir in De Smet, SD, as a way to learn more about South Dakota history and this highway that runs across the state. If you're interested in local history and small town life, this is a good choice!

[ClareC · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title is a little misconstruing. The book only relates to South Dakota, and it seems like the author quickly ran out of information to convey on a couple of the towns.

[Lauri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Miller's "Becoming Laura Ingalls Wilder" so I picked this up. Enjoyable look at some of the small towns in our country. This looking at those along US highway 14 in South Dakota. I think the book would be good to update now several years after it was first published to see how the Internet has affected these towns. You would think that the chapters would blend together, but I thought Miller did a good job in telling a different story with each town.

[Gwen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I admit that I skimmed through some of it. I enjoyed the chapter about De Smet and Little House, though. Prepping for travel to South Dakota.