137 Years Later: The “Schoolhouse Blizzard” of Minnesota & SD
It was arguably the worst blizzard in the history of both states and killed hundreds, many of whom were children.
It happened on what began as a warm January day, nearly 137 years ago. Minnesota had only been a state for a short time, and both North and South Dakota were still over a year away from statehood.
On January 12, 1888, an unexpected and devastating blizzard swept across the Great Plains, including South Dakota, Nebraska, and parts of Minnesota.
Known as the “Schoolchildren’s Blizzard,” this storm became infamous for its sudden onset, brutal conditions, and tragic death toll—many of whom were children caught on their way home from school.
The day began unseasonably warm for mid-January, lulling settlers into a false sense of security. Farmers tended their fields, children attended school, and life seemed to carry on as usual.
However, by midday, a massive cold front barreled through the region with alarming speed, dropping temperatures by as much as 40 degrees Fahrenheit in minutes. Gale-force winds carried blinding snow, reducing visibility to near zero and making it impossible for people to find shelter.
The storm struck at precisely the worst time: just as schools were letting out for the day. Teachers and students were caught off guard, many unable to find their way in the whiteout conditions. Some heroic teachers managed to save their students by keeping them in the schoolhouses or guiding them to safety, but others were not so fortunate.
In total, over 200 people lost their lives, including many children who succumbed to hypothermia just yards from safety.
The Schoolchildren’s Blizzard highlighted the harsh realities of pioneer life on the Great Plains. In its aftermath, communities pushed for better weather prediction systems, resulting in improvements to meteorological practices.
Today, the storm serves as a poignant reminder of nature's power and the resilience of those who lived through it.
Story Source: Schoolhouse Blizzard Wiki Page
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