The Ku Klux Klan in South Dakota

by Arley Fadness

A startling rise and retreat In the 1920s, a reborn Ku Klux Klan slithered into South Dakota. Bold at times, the group intimidated citizens in every county. KKK anti-Catholicism sentiment resulted in the murder of Father Arthur Belknap of Lead. Idealized Gutzon Borglum, sculptor of Mount Rushmore, operated as a white supremacist and KKK leader. In 1925, animosity between the KKK and Fort Meade soldiers came to a clash one night in Sturgis. The clatter of two borrowed .30 caliber Browning cooled machine guns split the air over the heads of a Klan gathering across the valley. Author Arley Fadness follows the Klan's trail throughout the Rushmore state.

192 pages, Paperback

Published March 18, 2024

Reviews

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very timely book to read. This is a part of America’s history that just isn’t taught enough - I learned so much about the history of the KKK, it’s introduction into the Midwest, and the author does an amazing job covering the whole state. Having been born and raised in South Dakota, it was interesting to read bits of history about the towns I knew and grew up in and around. I was floored by the knowledge that there are bikers who show up at the Sturgis bike rally every YEAR that are a part of the KKK. I recommend this book whole-heartedly for anyone.

[Kristi Thielen · Rating 5 out of 5]

South Dakotan writer Arley Fadness's concise book about the KKK in South Dakota makes for a chilling read: the sheer number of little towns that welcomed the organization in the 1920s is alarming.

The SD Ku Klux Klan harassed Catholics, of which there were some in the state, but were also welcomed for their bigotry toward Jews and Blacks - of which there were few in this area at that time. Clearly, there is no need to have any experience with people in order to hate them.

The book includes eye-opening information about Mt. Rushmore sculptor Gutzon Borglund's odious background and politics - something no South Dakota tourist association is going to tell you.

Fadness also offers a warning about the rise in hate organizations going on in America today. Are we watchful enough not to return to the 1920s?

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

The subject was interesting and important. The author tracks the rise of the hateful group through South Dakota. I learned a lot about the organization I didn’t know, and there are definitely lesson to be learned about the rise of hate groups.

However, the writing was not good. It’s so disjointed that I would have to stop and try to figure out what was being talked about. Some of the quotes are unattributed, so you have no idea who is talking. Also, I know this can be nitpicking, but the lack of the Oxford comma drove me nuts.

Reading this book was a slog. I just wanted it to be over and almost did not finish. I learned a lot, but it was sooooo boring.

[Mary Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

South Dakota was as involved in the rebirth of KKK as other states. What makes their reteric so appealing? Hate is hate. The writing is disjointed and repetitive. There is no conclusion or investigation of current hate groups in SD. That would be helpful.

[Renata Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting and educational.
I have heard stories of my great grandfather burning barn in IA for years.
Once I heard of this book I could not waiting to read it.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shows how the power of fear clouds clear thinking. Very interesting (and sad) local history.

[Lisa Vogl]

Not too well-written, but it’s good it was written.

[Tj · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was some interesting information but with redundancies and disorganization of writing. The author definitely had politically charged statements/terminology at the end that left one wondering if he had a current political purpose in writing this.