Swords & Plowshares - South Dakota & the Civil War | SDPB Documentary

Arthur Calvin Mellette served as a private in the 9th Indiana Infantry. He was also South Dakota's first governor.

William Riley was wounded twice during the Civil War. He moved to South Dakota later in life, struggled with disabilities brought on by his injuries, and fought for years to obtain veteran's benefits.

General William H.H. Beadle, a distinguished Civil War veteran and, later, a respected Territorial policy-maker and educator, had a more prominent role within the Underground Railroad than is generally recognized.

Tens of thousands of Civil War Veterans migrated westward after the war and many found re-entering society difficult.

Nyrum Phillips rose from the rank of sergeant to captain during the war. He came to Sioux Falls in 1869 and became one of the area's prominent citizens.

Melvin Grigsby served with the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry from 1861-1865. Captured and imprisoned at Andersonville. South Dakota Attorney General, 1896-1898.

This cane was owned by one of the most influential men in early Dakota Territory and witnessed the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.