This thesis examines the cultural, geographical, and material influences on vernacular architecture by evaluating the works of one pioneer stone mason during the early development of western South Dakota between 1879 and 1911. The focus on the life of one man reveals the settlement and the commerical development of the city of Belle Fourche. His story illustrates how influences affected decisions that people like him made about their work. This thesis contributes to what little has been written about the architecture of the area.The thesis reviews the history and development of an area north of the Black Hills of South Dakota, the various stone working methods found in John Scotney's work, and the(including a commercial block and a residence on the National Register of Historic Places). John Scotney's work is unique in its use and treatment of indigenous sandstone, and, his designs are, for the time, simple, and well crafted. / Department of Architecture