Montana Law Enforcement Museum

212 E. Broadway
Philipsburg, MT 59858
(406) 859-6536

Sheriff Dominick Cavanaugh

Dawson County Sheriff's Department

Department Patch

His opponent in the previous election for the office of Sheriff beat Sheriff Dominick Cavanaugh to death. Sheriff Cavanaugh was returning to his home in Glendive when the man, who engaged him in conversation near his stables, approached him. When Sheriff Cavanaugh turned to leave the man struck him on the back of the head with a metal bar, knocking him to the ground. He continued beating him until leaving the scene. The subject was arrested, convicted of murder, and sentenced to death. He was subsequently executed by hanging on March 29th, 1900.
Sheriff Cavanaugh had served as the county sheriff for five years.

End of Watch:
December 23, 1898
On the Force:
5 years