25,000 square miles of land, lying along the Missouri, Niobrara, and Big Sioux rivers. White settlers were admitted in 1859, and a great portion of the ceded lands were immediately occudied. On account of the critical and disturbed state of public affairs, and the prevailing prejudice in regard to creating more territories, the organization of Dakota was delayed till 1861, when, by law of congress, she was declared a territory in common with her sisters, Colorado and Nevada. The organic law was passed February, 1861, and approved by the executive March 2, 1861. President Lincoln promptly hastened to perfect the government of Dakota, by appointing the following officers, as provided under the organic act: William Jayne, of Illinois, governor; John Hutchinson, of Minnesota, secretary; P. Bliss, of Ohio, chief justice; L. P. Williston, of Pennsylvania, and ——— Williams, of Tennessee, associate justices; W. Gleason, of Maryland, district-attorney; W. F. Shaffer, marshal. By a provision of the organic act, Dakota was made a distinct land district, and G. D. Hill, of Michigan, was appointed surveyor-general. These gentlemen at once assumed the duties of their respective offices, and Dakota may be said to have had a government after June, 1861.
The first general election was held in September following, when the legislature was chosen, and J. B. S. Todd was elected delegate in congress.
The first legislature convened in March, 1862, and the following laws are the result of their sixty days' labor.
Dakota is thus fairly adrift as a Territory of the United States, with good, wholesome laws, competent and faithful officials, and a people orderly, law-abiding, enterprising, and energetic. She will compare most favorably with any of her sisters as a home for the homeless immigrant.
