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Exhibits - North Dakota Governors - John A. Burbank

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JOHN A. BURBANK

John A. Burbank
John A Burbank
SHSND A1592-0001

Fourth Territorial Governor

  • Residence: Indiana
  • Years Served: 1869-1873
  • Date of Inauguration: May 10, 1869
  • Age at Inauguration: 41
  • Politics: Republican
  • Born: Centerville, Indiana - July 23, 1827
  • Died: Richmond, Indiana - December 17, 1905

Political Background:

  • 1853: Mayor and Postmaster at Falls City, Nebraska
  • 1869-1873: Governor of Dakota Territory

John A. Burbank began in the merchandising business with his father in Indiana. He was a rather unpopular governor, partly because of his long absences from Dakota. His administration was a time of turmoil as more and more Euro-American settlers began pouring into the area and Native Americans were forced onto reservations. Railroads entered the state at Fargo and were built as far as the Missouri during Burbank's administration.

After serving as territorial governor, Burbank served as United States Post Office Inspector at Richmond, Indiana.

The Northern Pacific Railroad entered Dakota Territory at Fargo during Burbank's administration. The tracks reached Bismarck by 1873.

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Bismarck, North Dakota 58505
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