Sioux Falls Convention, 1900

The SDSHS Press is continuing its sampling of South Dakota history books that we’ve published over the years. It is a short introduction to some of the state’s history and gives you an idea of what else might be of interest to you in SD history. Check out our main website for more information on all of our books.

“The Populist Party held its national convention at Sioux Falls on May 9 and 10, 1900. Delegates were present from twenty-eight states. Governor Lee gave the opening address to a crowd of about fifteen hundred in a tent designed to accommodate twelve thousand. Bryan was nominated for the presidency by acclamation. Through the influence of Pettigrew, Charles A. Towne, a Silver Republican from Minnesota, became the vice-presidential nominee. The convention took a strong stand against ‘the imperialism of the McKinley administration’ and incorporated in the platform a plank opposing expansion. Towne withdrew from the race when the Democratic national convention refused to accept him as Bryan’s running mate and nominated Adlai E. Stevenson of Illinois.”

Taken from South Dakota History, Fourth Edition Revised, by Herbert S. Schell and John E. Miller, published by the South Dakota State Historical Society Press, 2004.

Black Hills Counties, 1877

“In anticipation of Congressional ratification of the Indian treaty the Territorial Legislature in February, 1877, enacted a mining code and prescribed machinery for incorporating mining associations. It also created Custer, Lawrence, and Pennington counties in the Black Hills. In providing for new counties, the governor was authorized to name not only the county commissioners, but also all other county officials, without regard to any Black Hills residence. This deviation from the customary practice in organizing new counties seemed justified by the transient character of the mining population, which made it virtually impossible to check residential qualifications.”

Taken from History of South Dakota, Fourth Edition, Revised, by Herbert S. Schell and John E. Miller, published by the SDSHS Press.

For a more detailed discussion of this practice, see Seth Bullock: Black Hills Lawman, by David A. Wolff, from the South Dakota State Historical Society Press.

Steamboats on the Upper Missouri, South Dakota

“The departure of the Yellowstone from St. Louis marked the beginning of a new phase in the history of the Upper Missouri Valley. Carrying trading goods, the Yellowstone reached Fort Tecumseh on June 19, 1831, and made the return trip to St. Louis after a brief stopover, arriving on July 15 with a rich cargo of buffalo robes and peltries, and ten thousand pounds of buffalo tongues. The Yellowstone’s maiden voyage proved the feasibility of steamboat transportation on the Upper Missouri. The following year the boat made a second trip, this time reaching Fort Union. Pierre Chouteau, Jr., went along as a passenger in order to take part in a christening ceremony for a new post named in his honor and built as a replacement for Fort Tecumseh. The name of the new post was soon shortened to Fort Pierre.”–History of South Dakota, Fourth Edition, Revised

To read more about this event and all of South Dakota’s history, check out History of South Dakota by Herbert S. Schell and John E. Miller published by the South Dakota State Historical Society Press.

A Vest-Pocket Edition of the Black Hills

“The Black Hills, which have been aptly called a vest-pocket edition of the Rocky Mountains, are sufficiently different from the Great Plains to be regarded as a third distinct physiographic province of the state. This mountainous mass takes the form of an irregular dome-shaped uplift, rising 3,500 feet above the surrounding plain. Harney Peak, with its elevation of 7,242 feet above sea level, is the highest point in North America east of the Rockies. Two thirds of the Black Hills area lies in South Dakota; the other third forms a part of Wyoming.”

This excerpt is taken from History of South Dakota, 4th Edition, Revised, by Herbert S. Schell and John E. Miller

The History of South Dakota is published by the South Dakota State Historical Society Press.