6/18/2009: After the people west of the newly-formed state of Minnesota twice requested authorization to create a stabilized government, President Buchanan signed an act establishing the Dakota Territory in 1861. The First Legislature of Dakota Territory was elected in September of that year, and when they met for the first time on March 17, 1862, they had to cover a complex agenda, setting up a system of government, establishing codes and rules, defining physical boundaries, creating tax policy, and passing various other laws.