Peter Norbeck
1870-1936

Peter Norbeck was South Dakota's first native-born governor and United States senator, serving as governor from 1917 to 1921 and as senator from 1921 until his death in 1936.

Norbeck's vision and labor contributed to the creation of Custer State Park in the Black Hills. As governor, he was responsible for the creation of a state-owned cement plant, a workman's compensation law, and hydro-electric and road development.

His senatorial career reflected his concern for wildlife conservation and park development. Norbeck was influential in the naming of the Badlands as a national monument and is credited with the inclusion of Teddy Roosevelt's image in Mount Rushmore.

A more detailed profile is printed in Volume 2 Number 2 of South Dakota History, the journal of the South Dakota State Historical Society.