Until 1889 the Territory of what would become Montana and North Dakota was known as The Dakotas. A large expanse of land with little organized law. Wild and open, it was policed by the hard-pressed office of the US Marshals. Dedicated men who were responsible for enforcing the law over an uncompromising tract of land. Bringing law and order to The Dakotas was not easy. The Marshals were few, the problems many, and the Marshals had an unenviable task which they undertook with the dedication that became their legend…
The formation of the states was recognized as unifying the former territory and opening a new era—yet in the time leading up to that time The Dakotas forged its own destiny and the US Marshal service did its part … though unofficially not without little assistance …