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Newspaper
Mitchell Capital
Location
Mitchell, South Dakota, United States of America
Date
Sep 13, 1889
Page
1
Across Douglas and surrounding counties, editors urge Mitchell as the capital candidate citing central location, rail access, and growth potential. Support comes from Armour and Parkston papers, with notes on accessibility and economic benefits for McCook and Nanson counties.
Mitchell promotes itself as the best capital site with central population, strong rail access, top public halls, and healthful climate. Campaign notes include railroad links on the Chicago Milwaukee and St Paul and Chicago and Northwestern lines, plus a ninety mile population circle and on line vote results favoring Mitchell over Pierre.
The 1888 South Dakota total vote reached 69 654 with 20 581 from 13 counties passing through Mitchell toward Huron for the state convention. If 75 percent of that vote and 75 percent of Miner Sanborn and Jerauld’s 3 260 votes went to Mitchell, she would claim the capital but this seems unlikely given Mitchell’s railroad advantages and the likely distribution among candidates such as Chamberlain and Sioux Falls.
D J Collins departs for Scotland and Oliver this morning. He confidently predicts Mitchell will win the capital race, declaring Mitchell his first and only choice for the capital of South Dakota.
Dell Rapids Times advocates selecting the most accessible and advantageously located town as the temporary capital, arguing it will best advance voters interests and economic prospects.
Letters from towns across the state express increasing favor for Mitchell as capital. Aug. 19 dispatches from Hanson Milltown Tyndall Delmont Beresford Neblarrison Armour Enwin reveal residents pledge effort and votes to back Mitchell, noting the race since 1883 and Mitchell as the strongest rival.
The Woonsocket News urges Mitchell for capital and cites broad local support from Alexandria Werald Kimball Graphic Harrison Globe and Salem Pioneer Register as proof her candidacy has strong backing.
A citizen letter in Aurora County argues for Mitchell as the South Dakota capital. The writer cites local unity except for Plankinton business interests and questions rail access to Pierre. They contend Plankinton needs farmers more than new rail lines and note anticipated Manitoba road developments.
The text argues the capital lies on one of two east–west rail lines or a road, making that route the state’s main line with three trains while the other has one. Farms along the capital’s line would rise two to threefold in value, and towns along that road would prosper as settlement and development expand.
A Northwestern Christian Advocate article urges locating South Dakota's capital at Mitchell to boost the Dakota University. It argues the university's growth ties to state progress, accessibility, health and water, noting Mitchell’s rebuilt campus and its central role for the church and society.
A Kimball stockholder writes that the Woonsocket Capital Investment Company failed to send blank votes to stockholders before September and did not notify five days prior about relocation plans. He alleges many in Kimball did not vote and accuses the company of snide behavior to influence Pierre support.
S. H. Thomas of Kimball writes from August 29 1889 praising Mitchell as the future capital over Pierre. He envisions farmers and merchants moving across the river Cham berlain building towns while eight daily trains bring fuel, stock, and goods to a rapidly growing region and expresses strong faith in South Dakota’s future.
Ellis of Armour reports Mitchell gaining support while Capital Investment Company loses influence in Douglas and McCook counties. Local editors and missionaries tour towns, with Sioux Falls, Pierre, and Mitchell factions mingling through badges, literature, and sentiment shifts ahead of the October 1 vote.
The Oelrichs Times argues for Mitchell as the state capital, criticizing Pierre Huron and Sioux Falls for inaccessibility and poor accommodations. It cites Mitchell’s railroad links and financial strength as reasons voters should choose it in the upcoming election.
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