Arthur Mellette

Step inside Watertown's Mellette House, the home of South Dakota's first governor Arthur C. Mellette.

If you happen to be in Watertown this summer you might want to visit the historic Mellette House on the city's near west side. The house is a restored architectural gem built by South Dakota's first governor in 1885.The rise and fall of Arthur C. Mellette's political career mirrors the fate of his grand mansion. Both were symbols of great success and both fell to ruin.

Arthur Calvin Mellette served as a private in the 9th Indiana Infantry. He was also South Dakota's first governor.

In The Moment ... March 16, 2020 Show 774 Hour 2South Dakota's first governor was elected November 2nd 1889. Arthur Mellette, his wife Maggie and 4 sons…

The legislative session of 1895 opened with the shocking news that the state's treasury was almost entirely empty.