History 605

As Tribal nations gather to mark the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Little Bighorn, History 605 highlights a major new book from SDHS Press by historian Sandy Barnard exploring a century and a half of commemorations. Then, we dive into our archives to replay our fascinating 2021 conversation on the brilliant, deeply controversial life and legacy of General George Armstrong Custer.

What did the earliest Independence Day celebrations look like in South Dakota? On this episode of History 605, we dive into the archives to explore a fascinating era, which brought together a diverse cast of historical figures. Long before they shaped the future of the state.

Professor Brad Birzer joins us to discuss his new book, "The Declaration of Independence: A Radical Experiment in Liberty." We discussed the, "long train of abuses" that led up to the colonies deciding to declare their separation from Britain. Brad also shares how Jefferson took all the ideas to beautifully express the American mind, along with the compelling list of grievances against the king th...

Historian Paul Finkelman joins the History 605 Podcast to discuss his essay on the legal proceedings that led up to the nation's largest mass execution in December of 1862.

On this episode of History 605, Craig Fehrman discusses his new book, using the biographies of Jefferson, Lewis, Clark, Sacagawea, and others to illuminate the expedition through multiple perspectives. By weaving together these viewpoints, he offers a vivid account that clarifies key decisions, highlights the American Indian perspective, and deepens understanding of the expedition’s lasting impact...

Jim Williams, Executive Director of Deadwood History, joins History 605 to talk about the Days of ’76 Museum and the organization’s work to commemorate both Deadwood’s 150th anniversary and the nation’s upcoming 250th.

On a frigid November day in 1952, Wilmot, SD native Royce Williams made split‑second decisions in the skies off North Korea that were worthy of the Medal of Honor but were buried in secrecy due to intense international tensions. After the mission was declassified and veterans rallied with Congressional support, he finally received the recognition he deserved in February 2026.

The USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial has honored the bravery and service of the ship’s WWII crew since the 1960s, preserving the legacy of sailors who endured some of the war’s most intense combat. When the Navy planned to scrap the vessel after the war, a dedicated Sioux Falls group stepped in to ensure its story lived.

Starting with Yankton, then moving to Bismarck, then considering half a dozen other locations during rapidly changing times, the centrally located small ranching river town of Pierre becomes South Dakota's permanent capital. Braeden Kluver joins Ben Jones in this episode of History 605 to go over the story of how all that occurred.

In this episode, Ben Jones speaks to Dedra Birzer who has recently written an essay in "South Dakota History," about Rose Wilder Lane's writing, her career, and her work to imbue the pioneer spirit into American political life.

David C. Posthumus and Ben Jones discuss Posthumus' new book and the Lakota’s own 19th- and early-20th-century voices that tell the story of a vibrant culture undergoing momentous change.

Since this episode first aired, Corey Christenson’s article on Alfred Dahlin’s World War I experiences earned the 2025 Schell Prize for Best Article in South Dakota History. The story began when the Dahlin family donated Alfred’s uniform and gear, sparking Corey’s quest to uncover his remarkable journey. Serving in a unit drawn from the American West, Dahlin faced the brutal realities of war—but h...

Ben Jones speaks with author Bradley Thompson and discusses what John Adams and others thought was the more important revolution that occurred in the minds of the American people.

In this episode from the archives, Ben Jones talks with Photographer Paul Horsted to discuss his books and work that detail George Custer's 1874 Black Hills expedition.

David Grabitske and Dan Moeckly join Ben Jones on this edition of History 605 to discuss how they've worked to design South Dakota's stories for the upcoming new museum exhibits.

On this episode of History 605, Ben Jones talks about the tale of South Dakota's Embezzling Treasurer.

On this episode of History 605, Ben Jones delves into South Dakota's first wartime experience, which occurred in the aftermath of the events in Cuba and the nation's declaration of war against Spain in 1898.

Cara Rogers Stevens joins Ben Jones on this edition of History 605 to discuss her recent book about Thomas Jefferson and his work to eliminate slavery.

Historian and author Ken Zontek joins Ben Jones on History 605 to discuss the ways in which American Indian communities started to recover the buffalo population.

In the run-up to marking the nation's 250th anniversary next year, Ben Jones talks to historian, author, and podcaster Albert Zambone about his biography of Daniel Morgan.

Peter Cozzens joins History 605 to discuss his new book on Deadwood and the fascinating people who participated in the gold rush of 1876 and beyond.

On this episode of History 605, Ben and Braeden walk through the history of the Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota.

Pamela Smith Hill joins Ben Jones on this edition of History 605 for a conversation on her new book about the value of the Little House books to people of all ages.

Jacob Friefeld, of the University of Illinois - Springfield, joins Ben Jones on this edition of History 605 to discuss the life and work of Oscar Micheaux.

On this edition of History 605, Ben Jones discusses an oral history interview with Rolly Samp that described how, as Congressman Ben Reifel's brand-new state director, he experienced the political bargains made when the party was deadlocked about who would be the nominee to face George McGovern that November.