4/26/2009:
The news of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination came as a tragic shock to a nation already weary after four years of civil war. Dakota Territory was no exception. For local residents, Lincoln was not just the commander-in-chief who successfully led the Union through the rebellion; he had also played an important role in organizing Dakota Territory during its infancy.
Most public expressions of grief for the fallen leader took place in the territorial capital. On April 24th, Yankton citizens assembled at the capitol building to pay tribute through various addresses, prayer and a resolution of support for Lincoln's successor. On this date, military authorities stationed at Yankton fired a 21-gun salute in Lincoln's honor. Rounding out the tributes was a special proclamation issued by Governor Edmunds naming April 27th as an official day of mourning for Abraham Lincoln; a day when citizens throughout the territory could honor the fallen president.
Dakota Datebook written by Christina Sunwall
Sources:
Kingsbury, George W. History of Dakota Territory Vol. 1. Chicago: The S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1915.
"Lincoln's Legacy in North Dakota", State Historical Society of North Dakota http://history.nd.gov/lincoln/index.html.