South Dakota History Narrative
Dakota Territory
(Picture of John B. S. Todd)
John B. S. Todd came to Dakota in 1855. He was a soldier with General William S. Harney. Todd liked what he saw in Dakota and started a trading post. He could see that he could make more money if there were more farms on the prairie. Todd's company bought land and sold it to farmers. He also started the town of Yankton. He sold town lots to people who wanted to start a business.
(Picture of Yankton)
Todd wanted more people to buy land, but first it had to be a territory. He got settlers to sign a paper asking the government to make Dakota Territory. Todd was the cousin of Mary Todd Lincoln who was the wife of President Abraham Lincoln. President Lincoln talked to Congress and made Dakota Territory in 1861. He also helped make Yankton the capital. Todd was elected to the territorial legislature. He died at Yankton in 1872.
Pony Congress - First Territorial Legislature
(Pictures of Delegates)
In 1862 the first Territorial Legislature met in Yankton. The legislators would put their feet on their desks and would threaten and punch each other if they disagreed with each other's bills. They also drank and spit tobacco on the floor. One of the men said they would bite and kick like wild ponies. That is why this very first legislature was called the Pony Congress.
State of South Dakota
(Picture of Arthur C. Mellette)
In 1889 a bill was passed that said the states of North Dakota and South Dakota could be created. Delegates met in Sioux Falls and wrote a final constitution. Voters chose Pierre as the state capital and elected Arthur C. Mellette as governor.
(South Dakota Banner)
On November 2, 1889, President Benjamin Harrison signed the law that made both North and South Dakota into states. Before he signed, he shuffled the papers on his desk. He covered up the names on the papers. No one knows which state he signed into law first. The Dakotas are twins-born at the same time. They are listed in alphabetical order, thought. North Dakota comes first and is said to be the 39th state. South Dakota is said to be the 40th, but nobody knows for sure. They are equals.
Pierre as the Capital
(1900 Picture of Pierre Capitol - wooden building)
Pierre was to be the capital for just one year. Voters had to decide where to have the permanent seat of government. Some people thought Pierre was the perfect spot. It was in almost the exact center of the state. Other people thought that Pierre was not where most of the people were. Most people lived in the eastern one-third of South Dakota.
Final Capital
(Picture of quilt with names of towns)
It took two more elections to decide what town would be the permanent capital. Many towns wanted to be thecapital. Government brought jobs to town. It made the town important. The first election was held in 1890. Huron challenged Pierre for the honor. Pierre won again. In 1904, Mitchell tried to win the capital. Again, Pierre won.
(Picture of 1910 Capitol)
The state legislature voted to build a permanent capitol in Pierre. The state capitol had always been a wooden building. Now it would be a stone building with beautiful marble on the inside. The building was finished in 1910. This year the 78th Legislature is making laws in the very same Capitol.