Land was one way to get ahead. Politics was another. The founders of Yankton and Sioux Falls and the people of Pembina urged Congress to set up a territory. Then they competed for the capital—to assure business and growth. Sioux Falls men cast extra votes in a bogus election, trying to impress Congress with its numbers. Pembina petitioned for a capital farther north. Yankton men lobbied in Washington. In 1861 Congress named Yankton capital of the new Dakota Territory.
Slide the arrow on the map below to watch the population and political growth of Dakota territory. Or enlarge the map to view it full-screen.
Related items from the collections
Members and officers of the Council of the First Legislature of the Territory of Dakota with information such as age, residence, and occupation.
