Alexander McKenzie: The Boss of North Dakota | Prairie Mosaics Shorts

Learn about the rise and fall of one of North Dakota’s most prominent political figures—Alexander McKenzie. A shining example of corruption and bossism, the wealth he accrued from his connections to the Republican party was unheard of, but the power it gave him led to his downfall. His conviction for crimes related to his ownership of gold mines in Alaska culminated with him being pardoned by then president William McKinley. After the trial, his reputation ruined, McKenzie never reached the same heights again.