Peter Norbeck was South Dakota’s first native-born governor. He was born in 1870 in Clay County, South Dakota in his parents’ dugout on their homestead. He entered politics in 1908 and promoted state-owned enterprises, state hail insurance, the women’s suffrage movement, and the prohibition of alcohol. After two terms as governor, Norbeck was elected the United State Senate in 1920 where he advocated for the carving of Mount Rushmore.
Available Resource(s):
- “Hilton M. Briggs Library.” South Dakota State University,
- “Senator Peter Norbeck.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service,
- “Governor Peter Norbeck.” Trail of Governors Foundation,
- “Encyclopedia of the Great Plains.” Encyclopedia of the Great Plains | NORBECK, PETER (1870-1936)