Peter Norbeck

“Those seeking a good story that provides basic understandings of the actors and concerns of pre-New Deal farm policies will be rewarded.”— Journal of the West

“The book now includes some wonderful photos from the collection of Norbeck’s grandson Karl Wegner . . . [and] the reissue could prompt a new discussion of Norbeck’s place in our history. [It] would make a worthy gift. . . . ”— Bob Mercer , Capital Journal , Pierre, S.D.

From successful well-driller to governor and United States senator, Peter Norbeck (1870–1936) worked tirelessly for South Dakota. A progressive Republican, strong supporter of the policies of Theodore Roosevelt, and early conservationist, he was a towering figure in state politics. Gilbert C. Fite has written a definitive biography on Peter Norbeck, and through the generous support of the Meierhenry family, it is again available, with a new introduction, afterword, and photographs.

Norbeck was a man of many interests, but his first concern was the farmer. As a supporter of state-owned industries and a leader in national agricultural legislation, he worked diligently for the benefit of rural residents. He also helped obtain funding for the carving of Mount Rushmore and directed construction of the scenic Iron Mountain Road leading to the monument. Through his efforts, legislation establishing Grand Teton National Park and extending the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park, as well as the Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929, became law.

Gilbert Courtland Fite , a South Dakota native, was a Richard B. Russell Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Georgia. He also taught history at the University of Oklahoma and was president of Eastern Illinois University. His works on agricultural history include The Farmer's Frontier, 1865-1900 (1966), American Farmers: The New Minority (1981), and the award-winning Cotton Fields No More: Southern Agriculture, 1865-1980 (1984).