Historical Marker · No. 424

Ralph Herseth

Brown County · South Dakota

The governorship the bronze praises lasted two years. Herseth took office on January 6, 1959, and in November 1960 lost a second term to the Republican Archie Gubbrud by 4,435 votes out of more than 304,000. He died of a heart attack in Aberdeen on January 24, 1969. The family stayed in public life: his son Lars became majority leader of the state Senate, and his granddaughter Stephanie Herseth Sandlin represented South Dakota in Congress from 2004 to 2011. This text postdates 1978; the register still prints the 1966 wording.

What the plaque says

Ralph Herseth Twenty-First Governor Ralph Herseth, 1909-1969, was born on a ranch near Houghton and grew to manhood here. He graduated from Columbia High School and attended North Dakota State College. As a farmer-rancher, he raised wheat, corn, and Aberdeen Angus cattle and liked to be regarded as a typical second-generation son of the soil. He also operated a farm implement business in Hecla. In 1937 he married his high school sweetheart Lorna Buntrock of Columbia, who served as South Dakota's Secretary of State 1972-1978. They had three children: Karen, Connie, and Lars. Ralph served as officer or director of the Northern Electric Cooperative, the James Valley Telephone Cooperative, the Houghton Elevator, and many civic betterment organizations of Brown County. He was a life-long member of Trinity Lutheran Church. As State Senator in 1951-52 and 1955-56, his abilities brought him into the political limelight. In 1958 he was elected Governor, becoming only the third Democratic Governor in state history. His governorship was marked by compassion and honesty, firmness and aggressive purpose. The first state-wide teachers' retirement benefit program was established under his leadership. This roadside park is a fitting place to honor a distinguished citizen who merited state and national recognition.

Where it stands

45.76273, -98.21094 · Directions

More markers nearby

← All historical markers