Sod structures date from the early days of settlement in the 1860s through the Depression-era of the 1930s.  It was generally considered an inexpensive and very effective method of construction in a plains environment.  Very few examples of sod structures exist today in Colorado, and most are slowly deteriorating.

These houses were constructed using large blocks of sod, usually placed grass side down, and laid like bricks.  Mud or lime plaster covered the exterior to protect the sod from weathering.  Sod blocks are distinguished from adobe by the layer of grass at the bottom of each block.

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