How did settlers view the Great Plains before the civil war?

Before the Civil War, settlers often viewed the Great Plains as a vast, empty expanse that was inhospitable and challenging for agriculture. Many believed it was a "Great American Desert," unsuitable for farming due to its arid conditions. However, some settlers were optimistic about its potential for cultivation and livestock grazing, spurred by the promise of land and the expansionist ideals of Manifest Destiny. This dual perception reflected both skepticism and hope regarding the region's capacity to support settlement.