The Dakota Territory was a region in the United States that existed from 1861 until 1889. It encompassed what is now the states of North Dakota and South Dakota, as well as parts of Montana and Wyoming. The territory was established to facilitate settlement and governance in the area, which was largely inhabited by Native American tribes. During its existence, the Dakota Territory experienced significant growth due to westward expansion and the discovery of resources like gold. The territory was divided into two states, North Dakota and South Dakota, which were admitted to the Union on November 2, 1889.