Carolyn & Harold
Territory Historians
We’re Carolyn and Harold, Territory historians and your official guides to the Dakota Territory. We’ve spent our lives gathering the stories of this vast land, but ink and paper can only tell you so much. That’s why we want to introduce you to the real heartbeat of the Territory—our friends.
We’ve gathered the finest folks you’ll ever meet: a steady hand from the ranch, a wise Dakota winyan from the hills, a riverboat mate with a tale for every bend in the Missouri, and many more. They aren't just names in a book; they are here, waiting to speak with you.
Don’t just read about history—pull up a chair and ask them yourself. The campfire is crackling, and your new friends are eager to meet you. This ain’t a museum. This is a living Territory, and the door’s wide open.
Welcome, friend. If this is your first visit, click this message and we’ll show you how to get the most out of the Territory.
We are passionate historians who are eager neighbors to share every tale this land has to offer. And besides us we have an amazing circle of friends, each with their own lived experience. Each one waiting to meet you, tell you about their life and become your friend.
Welcome
Thank you for visiting. This is a living Dakota Territory where you can speak with people of the 1860s through the 1880s and learn daily life through their own voices.
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What this site is
DakotaTerritory.com is built to feel like stepping into the past. Ask about work, weather, travel, towns, and everyday choices—then follow the stories where they lead.
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Your Hosts
Harold & Carolyn are your Territory historians. They help you get oriented, share historical facts, and point you to the best Friend for what you want to learn.
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The Friends
The Friends are the heartbeat of the Territory. Each one speaks from lived experience—ranching, river travel, freighting, farming, medicine, gold, railroads, and more.
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How to visit
Use the navigation bar and click ALL FRIENDS, then choose a Friend. On any Friend page, press Begin Visit and speak naturally.
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Talking tips
Begin Visit starts the conversation. End Visit closes it when you’re done. You can interrupt a Host or Friend at any time—just begin speaking while they are talking.
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Rolling pictures
All pages include rolling picture galleries. Hover your cursor over a picture to pause it, and move away to let it roll again.
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Great questions to start with
Try questions that invite a story. Visit with a friend like you are talking with a neighbor across a fence. The best answers come from simple, everyday questions.
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One question works best
If you ask three things at once, you’ll usually get one answer. Ask one clear question, then follow up. It keeps the conversation natural and makes the replies sharper.
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Need help?
If you ever feel unsure where to go next, return to Historians and ask Harold & Carolyn to tell you what you need to know.
