LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Page Governor Charles N. Herreid... Chart showing divisions of the Dakota or Sioux Indians before white invasion 1 6 Gen. John C. Fremont, Hunting Buffalo at Pierre, 1839. 52 56 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY Hon. Charles N. Herreid, Governor. Herewith I hand you the biennial report of the State Historical Society, as required by section 28, chapter 135, of the laws of 1901. Pierre, August 1, 1902. DOANE ROBINSON, Secretary. *These three bands were closely allied and lived near Grand River. Chart Showing Divisions of the Dakota or Sioux Indians and the Habitat of Each Band Before White Invasion Extract from the Inaugural Address of Governor Charles N. Herreid to the Seventh Legislative Session, State of South Dakota. The time has arrived when the state should encourage the incorporation of a State Historical Society by making a reasonable appropriation for the work of such an organization. Such a society should be duly incorporated and have for its specific object he collection, preservation, exhibition and publication of materials for the study of history, especially of our own state and the great northwest. in its constitution it should provide for stability and public confidence by making the state officers, judges of the supreme court, the members of congress and presidents of state educational institutions, ex-officio members of the society. Means should be provided for securing the precious material which will be of incalculable value to an historical museum, and which is being destroyed and lost forever; for acquiring documents and manuscripts and obtaining the personal recollections of the actors in our formative period. Each year, as it rolls along the endless pathway of eternity, is thinning the ranks of the sturdy pioneers who laid the foundations for such a splendid commonwealth. Before it is too late, let the life history of the old settlers be written and preserved as a part of the history of the wonderful growth and marvelous development of this region. Here a memorable migration, a mighty wave of humanity swept over the boundless unbroken prairie, producing a panorama the like of which never has been and never again will be seen anywhere. In urging the importance of this work, which coming generations will appreciate, I will appropriate the memorable words of Carlyle: "Let the record be made of the men and things of today, lest they pass out of memory tomorrow and are lost. Then perpetuate tnem, not upon wood or stone that crumbles to dust, but chronicle in picture and in words that endure forever." ORGANIC ACT CHAPTER 135 [H. B. 10] Establishing the Department of History of the State of South Dakota An Act Establishing the Department of History of the State of South Dakota, and Defining the Powers and Duties of the State Historical Society in Connection Therewith. Be it Enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota: Section 1. Department of History Established. There is hereby established the department of history of the state of South Dakota. Sec. 2. Duty of Department. It shall be the duty of said department to collect, preserve, exhibit and publish the materials for the study of history; especially the history of South Dakota and adjacent states; to this end exploring the archaeology of the region, acquiring documents and manuscripts, obtaining narratives and records of pioneers, conducting a library of historical reference, maintaining a gallery of historical portrai ture and an ethnological and historical museum; publishing and otherwise diffusing information relating to the history of the region, and in general encouraging and developing within the state the study of history. It shall also perform such other duties as are now or may hereafter be imposed upon it by the laws of the state. Sec. 3. The administration of the duties of said department is hereby vested in and conferred upon the state historical society, duly organized on the 23d day of January, 1901, its officers and members and their duly qualified successors. Sec. 4. Duty of Historical Society. Said historical society shall be composed of life, annual, honorary, corresponding, auxiliary, and ex-officio members. Members of the first four classes may be chosen by the executive committee of the society at any regular or special meeting thereof. Any society of South Dakota organized for the purpose of gathering and preserving facts relative to the history of South Dakota, or any section thereof, may become an auxiliary member of this society upon application, and may be represented at all regular meetings of the society by one member, provided, that such auxiliary society shall make an annual report of its work to this society to entitle it to such representation. Exofficio members of the society are the constitutional officers of the state of South Dakota. Sec. 5. Membership Fees. The fees for membership shall be as follows: For life members, ten dollars, and for annual membership two dollars per annum. The fees for membership shall be paid within one month after notice of election has been given, and annual members may at any time become life members by paying the requisite fees. Sec. 6. Who May Hold Office. The right to hold office and to vote |