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Letter From Colonel Lynn W. Pine To Senator Langer Regarding Land Acquisition, July 16, 1958, Lynn W. Pine

William Langer Papers

This letter dated July 16, 1958, from Colonel Lynn W. Pine of the United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers to US Senator William Langer, discusses the scope of land acquisition for the Garrison Dam including both the acres purchased and the total cost of those lands. Pine also mentions that the lands have come from the Fort Berthold Reservation as well as from the towns Elbowoods, Sanish, and Van Hook.

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Letter from Senator Langer to Colonel Lynn W. Pine Regarding Land Acquisition, July 23, 1958

Letter From Senator Langer To S.J. Mcelwain To Regarding The Naming Of The Reservoir Made By The Garrison Dam, March 21, 1956, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated March 21, 1958, from United States Senator William Langer to S.J. McElwain, marks the receipt of McElwain’s letter from March 7, 1958. Langer thanks McElwain and confides that “I have felt for some time that if this name is changed that the Reservoir should be named after Severt Thompson who has done so much for the situation in North Dakota.”

The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Garrison Dam.”

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Letter from S.J. McElwain to Senator Langer Regarding the Naming of the Reservoir Made by the Garrison Dam, March 7, 1956

Letter From S.J. Mcelwain To Senator Langer Regarding The Naming Of The Reservoir Made By The Garrison Dam, March 7, 1956, S.J. Mcelwain

William Langer Papers

This letter dated March 7, 1958, from S.J. McElwain to United States Senator William Langer, asks Langer to consider naming the reservoir made by Garrison Dam “the Garrison Lake or Reservoir” rather than Lake Sakakawea.

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Telegram from S.J. McElwain to Senator Langer Regarding the Tabling of US HR 104445, March 3, 1958

Telegram From S.J. Mcelwain To Senator Langer Regarding The Tabling Of Us Hr 104445, March 3, 1958, S.J. Mcelwain

William Langer Papers

This telegram dated March 3, 1958, from S.J. McElwain to United States (US) Senator William Langer, calls Langer’s attention to the information mailed by McElwain to Langer’s office about the Tabling of US HR 10445.

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Letter from S.J. McElwain to Senator Langer Regarding the Naming of the Reservoir Made by the Garrison Dam, March 7, 1956

Letter From J. Edward Williams To Senator Langer Regarding Civil Case No. 2386, July 29, 1953, J. Edward Williams

William Langer Papers

This letter dated July 29, 1953, from Acting Assistant United States (US) Attorney General J. Edward Williams to US Senator William Langer, refers to the recent conference in Langer's office concerning the condemnation proceeding entitled "United States v. Certain lands and improvements in McLean, Dunn, Mercer and McKenzie Counties, North Dakota, Rufus B. Stevenson et al., and unknown owners, Civil No. 2386."

Williams refers to the judgment entered in this case on July 17, 1953, which "adjudicated the just compensation to be paid for the taking of all the allotments included in the proceeding with the exception of the Allotments …

Letter From Congressman Usher Burdick To Senator Langer Regarding Petition From Elbowoods, July 27, 1953, Usher Burdick

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated July 27, 1953, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to US Senator William Langer, Burdick replies to Langer's letter of July 13, regarding a petition Langer had received from residents of Elbowoods, North Dakota who had agreed to sell their homes to the US Corps of Engineers to make way for the creation of the Garrison Dam reservoir, and after waiting more than two years, were requesting to be paid immediately for their lost homes.

Burdick thanks Langer for his letter and enclosed copy of the petition, and says that he had already taken the …

Letter From J. Edward Williams To Representative Usher Burdick Regarding Petition From Elbowoods Residents Requesting Payment For Taken Properties, July 23, 1953, J. Edward Williams

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated July 23, 1953, from Acting Assistant United States (US) Attorney General J. Edward Williams to US Representative Usher Burdick, Williams refers to communication Burdick has sent to the Office of the Chief of Engineers, US Department of Defense regarding a petition submitted by former Elbowoods, North Dakota residents who "agreed and affixed [their] signatures" for the sale of their homes to the US Corps of Engineers, and who, having waited more than two years without payment, are requesting to be paid immediately for those homes.

Williams explains that the matter has been referred to his Department, …

Letter From J. Edward Williams To Senator Langer Regarding Civil Case No. 2386, July 22, 1953, J. Edward Williams

William Langer Papers

This letter dated July 22, 1953, from Acting Assistant United States (US) Attorney General J. Edward Williams to US Senator William Langer, refers to a meeting in Langer's office wherein Edward N. Bodholdt represented the US Department of Justice in the condemnation proceeding entitled "United States v. Certain lands and improvements in McLean, Dunn, McKenzie and Mercer Counties, North Dakota, Rufus B. Stevenson, et al., and unknown owners, Civil No. 2386." This case involves property of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Forth Berthold, North Dakota acquired for use in the Garrison Dam and Reservoir Project.

Included with this document is …

Letter From J. Edward Williams To P. W. Lanier Urging Prompt Distribution Of Payments Resulting From Judgment Of Civil Case No. 2386, July 22, 1953, J. Edward Williams

William Langer Papers

This letter dated July 22, 1953, from Acting Assistant United States (US) Attorney General J. Edward Williams to US Attorney Powless W. Lanier, refers to the July 17 judgment rendered on the condemnation proceeding entitled "United States v. Certain lands and improvements in McLean, Dunn, Mercer and McKenzie Counties, North Dakota, Rufus B. Stevenson et al., and unknown owners, Civil No. 2386."

In this judgment, "just compensation" was fixed for lands taken for use in the construction of the Garrison Dam and reservoir, according to Public Law 437, also known as the Taking Act.

Williams asks Lanier "exert every possible …

United States Of America Vs. Certain Lands And Improvements In Mclean, Dunn, Mckenzie And Mercer Counties, North Dakota; Rufus B. Stevenson Et Al., And Unknown Owners, Civil 2386, July 17, 1953, Us District Courts, Charles J. Vogel

William Langer Papers

This judgment, rendered July 17, 1953, by United States (US) District Court Judge Charles Vogel in the case of United States of America vs. Certain Lands and Improvements in McLean, Dunn, McKenzie and Mercer Counties, North Dakota; Rufus B. Stevenson et al., and Unknown Owners, Civil 2386, details amounts to be paid by the US government to a group of owners for their properties and improvements taken by the US government under the terms of Public Law 81-437, also known as the Taking Act, in order to make way for the construction of the Garrison Dam and reservoir.

The judgement …

Letter From Senator Langer To Congressman Usher Burdick Regarding Petition From Elbowoods, July 13, 1953, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter, dated July 13, 1953, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to US Representative Usher Burdick, refers to a petition Langer has received from former Elbowoods residents who agreed to sell their homes to the US Corps of Engineers to make way for the creation of the Garrison Dam reservoir, and who, after waiting more than two years, are now requesting to be paid immediately for their lost homes.

While this letter mentions a photostatic copy of the petition being attached, no copy of the petition was found with this letter in Langer's papers.

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Petition from …

Letter From Senator Langer To Richard Rammel Regarding The Relocation Of Roads In Mountrail County, January 7, 1953, Langer William

William Langer Papers

This letter dated January 7, 1953, from United States (US) Senator Langer to Richard Rammel, Clerk of Howie Township, Van Hook, North Dakota, encloses a letter Langer has “received in reference to the inquiry made concerning the relocation of roads in Mountrail County'' in regard to the construction of the Garrison Dam. Langer expresses his regret that “this report is not as favorable as anticipated” and writes that he was glad to bring the matter to the agency's attention.

This mentioned enclosure was not found with this letter in Langer's papers.

This letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Garrison …

Letter From Acting Director Of The Bureau Of Indian Affairs Lee To Senator Langer Regarding Relocations Problems Due To The Garrison Dam Project, July 11, 1952, Rex Lee

William Langer Papers

This letter dated July 11, 1952, from Acting Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Rex Lee to United States Senator William Langer marks the receipt of Langer’s letter from June 27, 1952. The letter acknowledges “a communication from Bertha Driver and others of the Fort Berthold Reservation relating to relocation problems.” The letter states that Lee is requesting John Cooper to look into this matter to “take any action which might be justified by the circumstances.” The letter concludes by stating that Lee will advise Langer further once Cooper’s report is received. The letter is marked with the handwritten …

An Act Making Appropriations For Civil Functions Administered By The Department Of The Army For The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1953, And For Other Purposes, United States Congress

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This act, dated July 11, 1952, also known as United States (US) Public Law 82-504, makes appropriations for, among other things, paying lawful occupants of properties within the towns of Elbowoods, Sanish and Van Hook, North Dakota, for their improvements, which will be rendered useless by the construction of the Garrison Dam and Reservoir project on the Missouri River.

Letter From Senator Langer To Dillon Myer Regarding Relocation Problems Resulting From The Garrison Dam Project, June 27, 1952, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated June 27, 1952, from United States Senator William Langer to Commissioner of Bureau of Indian Affairs Dillon Myer (misspelled here as "Myers") is the cover page to an enclosure regarding the “relocation problem resulting from the Garrison Dam project.” No enclosure is included in the letter. The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Garrison Dam.”

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Letter from Dorothy Gwinn on Behalf of Senator Langer to Marjorie Slocum et al. Regarding the Relocation Problem Due to the Garrison Dam Project, June 25, 1952

Letter From Senator Langer To W. E. Pike Regarding The Moving Of Graves In The Area To Be Covered By The Garrison Dam, April 30, 1952, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated April 30, 1952, is from United States Senator William Langer to Mr. W. E. Pike, who is interested in the job of moving the graves that will be covered by the Garrison Dam. Langer refers to an enclosed report from Dillon S. Myer, Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, in response to Pike’s inquiry about relocating the graves. Langer writes, “You may be assured it has been a pleasure to obtain this information to you.”

The report mentioned as being enclosed was not found with this letter in Langer's papers.

The letter includes the handwritten …

Letter From Senator Langer To Dillon Myer Regarding The Moving Of Graves In The Area To Be Covered By The Garrison Dam, April 16, 1952, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated April 16, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Dillon S. Myer alerts Myer to the services of Mr. W. E. Pike, who is interested in the job of moving the graves in the area that will be covered by the Garrison Dam.

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Letter from Senator Langer to W. E. Pike Regarding the Moving of Graves in the Area to be Covered by the Garrison Dam, April 30, 1952

Letter From Senator Langer To Martin Cross Forwarding The Congressional Record For February 7 Which Contains The Resolution Adopted By The Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee, February 8, 1952, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated February 8, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, encloses a copy of the February 7th US Congressional Record. The record contains a copy of the resolution adopted by the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee regarding medical care for tribal members following the closing of the Indian Service hospital in Elbowoods, North Dakota. Langer says that he is pleased to have submitted the resolution to the US Congressional Record. A copy of the record is not included with this document.

The letter contains some handwritten annotations.

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Congressional …

Congressional Record (Senate), February 7, 1952 Vol. 98, Part 1--Bound Edition, United States Congress, Us Senate

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This excerpt from the United States (US) Senate Congressional Record dated Thursday, February 7, 1952 (legislative day of Thursday, January 10, 1952) contains a resolution adopted by the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee on December 7, 1951. The resolution outlines a plan for obtaining medical care for residents of the Fort Berthold Reservation as the Indian Service hospital in Elbowoods, North Dakota closed August 1951. The Fort Berthold Inter-Agency endorses the outlined plan. The resolution is prefaced by a note from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council Chairman Martin Cross. The note from Cross and copy of the resolution were submitted into …

Letter From Senator Langer To Guy Fox Regarding The Settlement Received By Indians For The Garrison Dam Project, January 2, 1952, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated January 2, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Guy Fox of Van Hook, North Dakota acknowledges the receipt of Fox’s letter concerning the “settlement received by the Indians because of the Garrison Dam project.” Langer informs Fox he will check into the matter.

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Letter from Senator Langer to Dillon Myer Forwarding Guy Fox’s Letter Concerning Settlement Funds Received by Indians for the Garrison Dam Project, January 2, 1952

Letter From Senator Langer To Dillon Myer Forwarding Guy Fox’S Letter Concerning Settlement Funds Received By Indians For The Garrison Dam Project, January 2, 1952, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated January 2, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs Dillion S. Myer makes reference to an enclosed letter, dated January 2, 1952, from Guy Fox of Van Hook, North Dakota. Langer asks Myer to advise “just what the situation is regarding this.”

The letter refered to as being enclosed was not found with this letter in Langer's papers.

This letter includes the handwritten annotation “Garrison Dam.”

See also:

Letter from Senator Langer to Guy Fox Regarding the Settlement Received by Indians for the Garrison Dam Project, January …

Letter From Senator Langer To Ralph Shane Regarding The Naming Of The Garrison Dam Reservoir, October 9, 1951, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated October 9, 1951, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Ralph Shane of Elbowoods, North Dakota thanks Shane for his letter suggesting that the reservoir formed by the Garrison Dam be called Lake Sakakawea, a name Langer calls "good and fitting." However, he informs Shane, the decision has already been made to call the reservoir "Lake Thompson."

The letter includes the handwritten annotation “Garrison Dam.”

Letter From Senator Langer To Edwin And Beatrice Zimmerman Regarding The Naming Of The Garrison Dam Reservoir, October 2, 1951, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated October, 1951, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Edwin and Beatrice Zimmerman marks the receipt of their letter from August 11, 1951. Langer thanks the Zimmermans and informs them that the name of Lake Thompson “has already been decided.” The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Garrison Dam.”

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Letter from Edwin and Beatrice Zimmerman to Senator Langer Regarding the Naming of the Garrison Dam Reservoir, August 11, 1951

Letter From Senator Langer To Mrs. H.T. Burns Regarding The Naming Of The Garrison Dam Reservoir, October 1, 1951, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated October 1, 1951, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Mrs. H.T. Burns of Garrison, North Dakota, acknowledges receipt of Burns’s letter suggesting the Garrison Dam reservoir be named after one of the tribes of North Dakota, and thanks her for sharing her views, before informing her that the decision has already been made to name the reservoir Lake Thompson.

The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Garrison Dam.”

Letter From William Langer To John Wilkerson Regarding Turned Down Application For Family Funds, July 28, 1950, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated July 28, 1950, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Mrs. John Wilkerson of Elbowoods, explains why Wilkerson’s request for relief assistance has been turned down. Langer cites US Public Law 437 and a proposed Tribal Credit program, which, “if this money becomes available,” Langer advises, “you will participate under the program.”

The letter includes the handwritten annotations, “Indians,” "See," and "X. Quinn, R.A."

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Letter from Walter Maddock to Cal Ward Regarding FHA Loans to Fort Berthold Families Effected by the Garrison Dam, February 28, 1947

Letter From Ralph Case To Senator Langer Enclosing List Of Fort Berthold Tribal Business Council Members, July 12, 1950, Ralph H. Case

William Langer Papers

This letter dated July 12, 1950, from Ralph Hoyt Case to United States (US) Senator William Langer, encloses a list of the members of the Tribal Business Council of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Case states that a copy of the pending US Senate Bill 3303, currently before the US Department of the Interior, is enclosed. Case discusses the people of Standing Rock Reservation's interest in US House Resolution 7433, which addresses distribution of awards in Pony Claims cases and is also before the US Department of the Interior for a report. US Senate Bill 3303 …

Letter From Irene Martin On Behalf Of Senator Langer To Carl Whitman Regarding His Opposition To Us H.R. 5372, June 22, 1950, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated June 22, 1950, from Secretary to United States (US) Senator William Langer Irene Martin on behalf of Langer to Carl Whitman, acknowledges Whitman’s correspondence about his opposition to US H.R. 5372. Martin assures Whitman that his views will be relayed to Langer on his return to Washington D.C.

This letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Indians.”

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Letter Senator Langer to Carl Whitman Thanking Him for His Correspondence, May 9, 1950

Letter From Senator Langer To Lyle Johnson Regarding Non-Indian Property Owners Living On Indian Lands, June 12, 1950, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated June 12, 1950, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Lyle Johnson, marks the receipt of previous correspondence between Langer and Johnson and follows up with a report concerning the rights of non-Indian property owners on Indian lands. Within the letter, Langer quotes from the report of Area Director of Indian Affairs Paul Flicker, who finds that the responsibility of the settlement of non-Indian claims on Indian lands should fall to the US Department of the Army. Citing Fickner, Langer relays to Johnson that “it appears'' for non-Indian property owners ”the permittees in Sanish and Van …

Letter From Senator Langer To Charles Burr Regarding Request For Meeting, June 5, 1950, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated June 5, 1950, from United States Senator William Langer to Charles Burr, responds to Burr's request for a meeting and notes his willingness to meet at any time.

There are two handwritten notations, one of which reads "Indians."

Letter From Senator Langer To General Lewis Pick Regarding Discrimination At The Garrison Dam Project, May 25, 1950, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated May 25, 1950, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to US Major General Lewis A. Pick, outlines R.D. Kollman’s claim of discrimination in employment at the Garrison Dam project. The letter quotes Kollman’s claim that residents of North Dakota have a difficult time procuring employment at the Garrison Dam project while “there is no trouble for an outsider to get employment.” Kollman’s contention extends to those in labor unions where “union gangster organizers are standing right there.” Langer calls for Pick’s attention to Kollman’s claims and asks Pick for his advice with the situation.

See also: …