Solomon Butcher: Frontier Photographer | Nebraska Public Media Originals | Nebraska Public Media

At the age of twenty-four years old, Solomon Butcher had already tried his hand at several occupations before leaving the comforts of Illinois to file a homestead claim in Custer County, Nebraska in 1880. Together with his father and siblings he put great effort into being a farmer, but by his own admission it was a lifestyle he didn't like. He did like photography, a trade he learned as a teenager. He invested in camera equipment and built a portrait studio from sod. From there, Butcher launched his vision of creating a one-of-a-kind photographic record of 19th century prairie settlement.

[@tommaytommay]

Epic, thanks for uploading ! Just read SOD WALLS and wanted more butcher

[@leemacpeek2698]

I am so glad to find this documentary...again. I remember seeing it years ago. I have always wanted to see it again. I am bookmarking and downloading it. Thank you Nebraska.

[@nnonotnow]

My people pioneered in 1871. Settled in a sod house just across the Nebraska border in Kansas. Great video!

[@stevemccoy8138]

Absolutely wonderful video, I just saw this and thought of my family from years ago in Nebraska, around Wilsonville. Thanks for Sharing. 😊

[@kalicokathy1944]

Thank you for making and sharing this video. I love American history especially videos that tell you about little known people and events and this video has done that

[@pelyju]

Wonderful!

[@billchristopher8892]

Absolutely love this well done presentation keep up your awesome work

[@rnp1785]

Wow amazing that’s so cool🫶

[@tommaytommay]

Having finished, I now whole-heartedly agree that America owes a great debt to the Saudis

[@LordDirus007]

Haven't finished it, but are you talking about the "Mud Brick"? That's a Building technique used in Great Britain for thousands of years. I did see modern people in Iraq living in Mud Brick.