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.
In February 1885, alliance delegates from 11 counties in Dakota gathered in Huron to form the Dakota Farmers' Alliance, affiliated with the National Farmers' Alliance. The movement grew rapidly and by mid-summer the number of local alliances in the territory had tripled.
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.
SDSU Archives and Special Collections
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Language
English
Publisher
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.
Rights
Copyright restrictions apply in different ways to different materials. Many of the documents and other historical materials in the Archives are in the public domain and may be reproduced and used in any way. There are other materials in the Archive carrying a copyright interest and must be used according to the provisions of Title 17 of the U.S. Code. The Archive issues a warning concerning copyright restrictions to every researcher who requests copies of documents. Although the copyright law is under constant redefinition in the courts, it is ultimately the responsibility of the researcher to properly use copyrighted material.
Recommended Citation
SDSU Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, "South Dakota Farmers Alliance Records" (2025). Manuscript Archive. 12.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/finding_aids-manuscript/12
