The James River Lowland : A Regional Study

Regional geography at its best should show a concern for the human and physical aspects of regional definition. Therefore, it should be used as a tool by which to study and to better comprehend the physical and cultural world around us. This then is the purpose of a regional study of the James River Lowland. The Geography Department at South Dakota State University set forth as one of the primary goals of its graduate program the completion of a series of master’s theses devoted to the regional study of South Dakota\u27s geography. One thesis will be written for each of the state\u27s 13 physiographic regions. These regions have been adopted by Dr. Edward P. Hogan, Geography Department Head at South Dakota State University, from original work performed by Richard Foster Flint. By 1989 six studies have been completed. Theses include the Coteau des Prairies, the James River Highlands, the Lake Dakota Plain, the Minnesota River Lowland, the South Dakota Sandhills, and the Coteau du Missouri1. Each of these Theses is on file at Hilton M. Briggs Library at South Dakota State University. This study was conducted for the purpose of enhancing the geographic understanding of the James River Lowland. It is intended to be of value to residents of the region who seek to better understand their environment and to assist them in developing and properly utilizing their resources; to students and faculty of the Department of Geography at South Dakota State University; and to other individuals who want to expand their understanding of the state or its geographic regions