The Plow-Woman

"The Plow-Woman" by Eleanor Gates is a story about Dallas Lancaster, a strong girl making a new home on the Dakota prairie. She faces challenges like working hard on the farm, dealing with family problems, and navigating community life as the American West grows. She is plowing her family’s land at the beginning of the book. She works alongside her mules, Ben and Betty. Her father Evan, an ex-railroad worker who has become crippled. Dallas also has a younger sister, Marylyn, who is quite frail. Their hopes rely on their land’s value, awaiting the railroad. They expect the railroad to arrive soon, but Dallas is concerned the railroad will interfere with their life. The story explores themes of never giving up, taking responsibility, and the conflict between new settlers' lives and outside people like the railroad. When new people arrive it can create friction in the close community.