Alexander Hughes was a prominent politician, entrepreneur, lawyer, and military general.
He served as chairman of the commission elected to chose a new capital for Dakota Territory in 1883, which ultimately was Bismarck. At the time, he resided in Elk Point in present-day South Dakota. He, along with other commissioners, relocated to Bismarck upon its selection as capital. He later moved to Fargo.
Later, with his son Edmond Hughes, he established Hughes Electric, which was instrumental in bringing power to the state and produced the nation’s first electric stove.
