Edwin Stanton Mccook News Today

In November, South Dakotans will cast their vote and elect new policymakers at the state and federal levels. One race will determine the state's next public utilities commissioner. We hear the voices of Chris Nelson and Jeffery Barth. Plus, Lori Walsh interviews Craig Johnson. He's the author of the best-selling Longmire book series.

Perhaps the most violent moment in Dakota territorial politics was the killing of the territorial secretary in 1873. General Edwin Stanton McCook was a distinguished Civil War veteran and one of the “Fighting McCooks,” a prominent Union military family. In February of 1872, President Grant appointed McCook as secretary of Dakota Territory, a position which also served as acting governor. McCook soon afterward arrived in the capital city of Yankton with his family.