Act of Congress - 1875

The Santee initially settled in Flandreau in 1869 and were the first successful settlers, as other settlements did not flourish. The Act of Congress of 1875 extended the Homestead Act of 1862 to Indians provided they give up their tribal affiliation. In 1878 there were 94 homesteads owned by the Santee.  It was the only settlement of this kind in the country.