Page 3 - Trail of Governors 2022 Annual Report

2022 Trail of Governors Annual Report

William J. Bulow
William J. Bulow served as South Dakota governor from 1927 to 1931. He was born in Ohio and despite dropping
out of school as a teenager, enrolled at the University of Michigan to study law. Lacking a diploma, he was admitted
after having his history teacher take the required exams. After receiving his law degree in 1893, Bulow moved to
Beresford and opened a law office. He served in the state senate and as Beresford’s mayor. He invested in farming
and despite the 1920s’ farm crisis, he survived financially. The Great Depression caused the stock market crash in 1929,
followed by the 1930s’ drought, creating more challenges. After his term as governor, Bulow was elected a U.S. Senator,
serving for 12 years.

The bronze of Bulow stands in a stone alcove by the railroad bridge along downtown Pierre Street. The governor hails
passersby with his raised hat. One hand rests on a stone pedestal decorated with images harkening back to his time in
office, and was sculpted by James Van Nuys. Naming donors are Gary and Connie Grittner, Tony and Sara Venhuizen,
and Friends of the Trail of Governors.

31 Statues
The bronze statues on the trail now number 31, as we celebrate the completion of all former governors’ statues on the Trail of Governors.
Hereafter, the focus shifts to the state’s governors as they leave the governor’s office.

Trail Visitation

Visitation along the Trail of Governors continues to grow and visitor business owners in the area continue to notice and comment on this.
Trail followers can be seen walking, running and driving by the statues throughout the year. Many take selfies with the governors, showing up
on social media. Trail brochures featuring a trail map and brief governor biographies are snapped up from racks in the area and in the Capitol.

Run with the Govs

The 2022 Run with the Govs on June 18, 2022, drew a record of nearly 170 participants from 10 states. This fifth annual run was dedicated to
former governor and accomplished athlete Frank Farrar who passed away on Oct. 31, 2021, at the age of 92. Governor Farrar had been an ardent
supporter of the Trail of Governors and the Run with the Govs.

A vision to create a lasting legacy of South Dakota’s governors.