Living Western History: Periodic musings on Western history and its contemporary Implications Today's topic: Water in the West Remember back in 1820 when Stephen long dubbed the Great Plains of Nebraska and Oklahoma the "Great American Desert"? What a jerk. Ok...I'll be the first to admit that it can be a bit dry out there - but no need to get nasty and start throwing the "Desert" word around. It is a fact though, aridity is a feature that much of the West holds in common. There are pockets - like my verdant native NW Washington - that don't fit the mold, but most of the West could use a bit more water. Or, more carefully stated, could use more water with Continue readingLiving Western History: Water in the West, or, why is it so dry out here?!