MITCHELL, S.D. (Mitchell Now) — Few know that in 1904 ­–05 the city of Mitchell made one of its most ambitious bids: to become the state capital of South Dakota. The campaign emerged at a time when cities across the state vied for the prestige, economic benefits and political clout that came with hosting the seat of government.

Mitchell pulled out all the stops. According to the Carnegie Resource Center, a campaign ribbon from 1904 still rests in the collection of the Mitchell Area Historical Society showing the slogan, “VOTE FOR MITCHELL; WE LIVE IN THE JAMES RIVER VALLEY.” The city even enlisted the famed band leader John Philip Sousa to perform at the annual Corn Palace event, and the railroads offered free rides to the city to bolster support.

Why Mitchell? The city was eager to leverage its growing prominence in agriculture, transportation and settlement in the James River valley. Winning the capital would have boosted its standing in the region and drawn administrative and economic activity. But the battle for the capital was fiercely contested.

In the final vote held on November 4, 1890 (for the permanent capital), Mitchell was among several contenders, though ultimately the competition came down to Pierre and Huron, and Pierre emerged the winner. The campaign left a visible mark in Mitchell: the building originally intended for the Capitol later became the city hall when the bid failed.

Although Mitchell did not secure the title, the campaign became part of local lore — a reminder of the city’s ambitions and the lengths it went to make its mark. It serves as a window into early 20th century civic boosterism and the fierce competition among South Dakota towns for growth and prestige.

Check out these sources for a deeper dive on Mitchell’s campaign to be South Dakota’s state capital.

  • “A Capital Fight,” South Dakota State Historical Society— discusses the competition among towns including Mitchell for the state capital. Click here to download the PDF.
  • “How Mitchell almost became SD’s state capital,” Yahoo News (Sept. 25, 2025) — overview of Mitchell’s campaign. Click here for full article.
  • “Back In Time 2024,” Mitchell Area Historical Society – archival article referencing Mitchell’s 1904 campaign materials. Click here to visit the Carnegie Resource Center
  • Thomas R. Thaden, The Political Geography of South Dakota’s Capital Controversies (1998) — academic study including Mitchell’s role. Click here for more information