Identifier
MA 11
Dates
1887, undated
Extent
0.42 linear feet [1 document case]
Abstract
The South Dakota Farmers Alliance Records document the early agricultural reform movement in Dakota Territory, focusing on farmers’ efforts to organize against economic hardships and railroad monopolies. The collection includes an 1887 address by President H. L. Loucks, proceedings from the Alliance’s annual convention that same year, and an undated advertisement for A Book for Farmers – Dunning’s Farm Ledger and Historical Account. These materials reflect the Alliance’s advocacy for economic reforms, railroad regulation, and farmer education.
The South Dakota Farmers’ Alliance emerged in the early 1880s, influenced by the National Farmers’ Alliance, and driven by declining wheat prices and growing opposition to railroad policies. The movement gained momentum in 1885 with the formation of the Dakota Farmers’ Alliance in Huron, rapidly expanding across the region. These records provide insight into the Alliance’s objectives, leadership, and strategies, offering valuable context for researchers studying agrarian activism, economic policy, and rural political movements in South Dakota.
Historical Note
In 1881, farmers in Yankton County established the first alliance in Dakota Territory, following the lead of Milton George, editor of the Western Rural, who denounced railroads as discriminatory and supported the National Farmers’ Alliance. A sharp decline in wheat prices in 1884 spurred widespread unrest, leading to mass meetings in Clark, Huron, Mellette, and Redfield, where farmers demanded railroad regulation. In response, a territorial railroad commission was created in January 1885, though opposition left it powerless to set freight rates. The movement gained momentum in February 1885, when alliance delegates from 11 counties met in Huron to form the Dakota Farmers’ Alliance, affiliating with the national organization. By mid-summer, the number of local alliances in the territory had tripled, reflecting the growing strength of the farmers’ movement.
Content Notes
The South Dakota Farmers Alliance Records document the early efforts of farmers in Dakota Territory to organize against economic and political challenges, particularly those posed by railroad monopolies. The collection includes an 1887 address by President H. L. Loucks and proceedings from the Alliance’s annual convention, reflecting the organization's advocacy for agricultural and economic reforms. Additionally, an undated advertisement for A Book for Farmers – Dunning’s Farm Ledger and Historical Account highlights the practical and educational resources valued by the farming community.
These records provide insight into the broader Farmers’ Alliance movement, which emerged in Dakota Territory in the early 1880s in response to declining wheat prices and perceived railroad injustices. The movement gained traction with the formation of the Dakota Farmers’ Alliance in 1885, expanding rapidly across the region. The documents in this collection offer valuable historical context on the Alliance’s objectives, leadership, and strategies during a critical period of agrarian activism in South Dakota.
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Language
English
Publisher
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.
Rights
In Copyright: This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copy-right Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, publicity, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permis-sions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.
Recommended Citation
SDSU Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, "South Dakota Farmer's Alliance Records" (2025). Archives Finding Aids. 11.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/archives_finding_aids/11
