South Dakota Farmers Alliance Records

Identity elements

Reference code

MA 011

Level of description

Records

Title

South Dakota Farmers Alliance Records

Date(s)

  • 1887, undated (Accumulation)

Extent

0.42 linear feet (1 document case)

Name of creator

Administrative history

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 and structure elements

Scope and content

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.

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use elements

Conditions governing access

The collection is open to all researchers, with materials accessible on-site only and not available for circulation.

For extensive research, scheduling an appointment in advance via phone or email is encouraged, including details about the research topic and intended use.

To access materials, researchers must complete and sign the Registration Form and provide proof of identity (e.g., University ID or driver’s license). By signing, researchers agree to adhere to the Reading Room Rules. The registration document also includes guidelines on making copies of materials, correct referencing, and copyright obligations.

Physical access

Technical access

Conditions governing reproduction

South Dakota State University supports access to its collections, both published and unpublished. However, access to certain items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or copyright.

Reproduction of materials is allowed for research purposes only, and written permission is required for publication or distribution.

Due to the delicate nature of some items, reproduction may be limited.

Languages of the material

  • English

Scripts of the material

    Language and script notes

    Finding aids

    Acquisition and appraisal elements

    Custodial history

    Immediate source of acquisition

    Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information

    Accruals

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    Existence and location of originals

    Existence and location of copies

    Related archival materials

    H. L. Loucks and the Dakota ruralist: voices of reform by Thom Guarnieri
    Publication Date: Thesis (M.S.)--Journalism and Mass Communications Dept., South Dakota State University, 1981.
    Call Number: Archives: LB2385 .G932

    H.L. Loucks correspondence with R.F. Pettigrew collection
    South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.
    Call Number: Manuscript collections MA 23

    The great conspiracy of the house of Morgan and how to defeat it by H.L. Loucks
    Publication Date: [Watertown, S.D. : H.L. Loucks], c1916. Call Number: SD Collection: HG2481 .L6g

    Related descriptions

    Notes element

    General note

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    Specialized notes

    • Alphanumeric designations: ####Copyright and Use Statement 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 Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions 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.

    Alternative identifier(s)

    ID

    MA 11

    Description control element

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