History of South Dakota, USA

1803 - U. S. acquired South Dakota from France in Louisiana Purchase
In 1803, the United States made a landmark acquisition of territory through the Louisiana Purchase, which included what is now South Dakota. This momentous event occurred when President Thomas Jefferson negotiated with France's Napoleon Bonaparte to purchase a vast swath of land west of the Mississippi River, doubling the size of the young nation overnight. South Dakota, then part of this newly acquired territory, was not fully explored or settled by Europeans at the time. The purchase of this territory, which encompassed diverse landscapes ranging from the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains, significantly expanded America's frontier and paved the way for westward expansion and settlement.

1804 - Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived in South Dakota
In 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, arrived in what is now South Dakota as part of their monumental journey to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. Led by Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, along with a diverse team of skilled men including interpreters and hunters, the expedition aimed to map out and document the vast western lands of North America. South Dakota, then inhabited by numerous Native American tribes such as the Lakota Sioux, was a crucial part of their route up the Missouri River.

Arriving in present-day South Dakota, the expedition encountered challenging terrain and diverse ecosystems, from rolling prairies to the expansive Missouri River. They engaged with local Native American tribes, establishing diplomatic relations and gathering crucial information about the region's geography, flora, fauna, and indigenous peoples.
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1832 - Perhaps the most significant fur trade/military fort on the western American frontier, Fort Pierre Chouteau was the largest (almost 300' square) and best equipped trading post in the northern Great Plains.
Built in 1832 by John Jacob Astor's (1763-1848) American Fur Company as part of its expansion into the Upper Missouri region, the trading activities at the site exemplified the commercial alliance critical to the success of the fur business.
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1863 - First homestead filed in Dakota Territory

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1874 - Gold was discovered in Black Hills; gold rush began
In 1874, one of the most significant gold rushes in American history began with the discovery of gold in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The discovery was made by an expedition led by General George Armstrong Custer, who was initially sent to explore the region for potential mining opportunities. What they found sparked a frenzy as news spread of the rich gold deposits hidden within the rugged terrain of the Black Hills.

Thousands of prospectors, miners, and settlers soon poured into the area, hoping to strike it rich amidst the rush. The lure of gold drew people from all walks of life, including miners from nearby states and immigrants from Europe, eager to stake their claims and seek their fortunes. The sudden influx of people led to the rapid establishment of mining camps and towns, transforming the once remote and sparsely populated region into a bustling center of activity virtually overnight.

The Black Hills gold rush not only fueled economic growth in the region but also ... Read MORE...


Read more about George Armstrong CUSTER

1879 - September 25 – Fire in Deadwood, South Dakota: Two thousand people left homeless; three hundred buildings destroyed. Total loss of property is estimated at $3 million.
On September 25, 1879, Deadwood, South Dakota, was ravaged by a devastating fire that left a profound impact on the burgeoning mining town. The fire, which began in the downtown area, quickly spread due to strong winds and the predominantly wooden construction of buildings at the time. By the time the flames were brought under control, approximately 2,000 residents were left homeless, and a staggering 300 buildings lay in ruins. The financial toll was immense, with property losses estimated at around $3 million, a colossal sum for that era.
September 25, 1879

1889 - South Dakota admitted into the Union as 40th state
In 1889, South Dakota, a vast and sparsely populated territory in the American Midwest, achieved statehood, becoming the 40th state to join the Union. The road to statehood for South Dakota was marked by a tumultuous history shaped by Native American cultures, early European exploration, and later settlement by pioneers drawn to its fertile lands and mineral wealth. The region's history saw conflicts such as the Dakota War of 1862, which left a lasting impact on relations between settlers and Native tribes.

1889 - Prairie fires had on the 4th completely wiped out three towns in South Dakota, and hundreds of farm-houses had been destroyed,
also barns, with all their contents, and many persons were homeless and entirely destitute. The losses were placed at $2,000,000. Several lives were lost.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 13, 1889

1890 - December 29 - Wounded Knee Massacre occurred - 7th Cavalry killed more than 250 Lakota men, women and children; Sitting Bull killed at Little Eagle; Indian wars ended
On December 29, 1890, the Wounded Knee Massacre marked a tragic climax to the tensions between the United States government and Native American tribes. Located in South Dakota, this event unfolded when the 7th Cavalry of the U.S. Army confronted a band of Lakota Sioux at Wounded Knee Creek. The conflict escalated rapidly, resulting in the deaths of over 250 Lakota men, women, and children, many of whom were unarmed. This brutal encounter was sparked by misunderstandings and fears fueled by the Ghost Dance movement among Native tribes, which was perceived as a threat by federal authorities.

The massacre also saw the killing of Sitting Bull, a prominent Lakota leader, just weeks earlier on December 15 during an attempt to arrest him at his residence on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. These tragic events marked the effective end of the Indian Wars in the United States, a series of conflicts spanning decades over land, resources, and sovereignty.
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December 29, 1890

1895 - South Dakota
South Dako'ta, a northwestern state of the American Union, bounded N, by North Dakota, from which it is separated by the seventh standard parallel, or the parallel 45° 50'40" N. lat., E. by Minnesota, from which it is separated by Lake Traverse, Big Stone Lake, and the meridian 96°20' W. lon, and by Iowa, from which it is mainly parted by the Big Sioux River, S. by Nebraska, with the line of division formed by the Missouri River and the parallel 43' N. lat. On the W. it is separated from Montana and Wyoming by the meridian 164° W, lon. Its length F. and W. is about 360 miles, and its breadth N. and S. about 225 miles. Area, 77,650 square miles...

The population of the state in 1890 was 328,808, an increase of 234.60 percent over the population in 1880 for the corresponding part of the territory of Dakota.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1924 - The Meridian Bridge built in 1924 was the first structure built across the Missouri River in South Dakota.
The construction of the Meridian Bridge in 1924 marked a significant achievement in South Dakota's infrastructure development, particularly in the city of Yankton. Spanning the Missouri River, the bridge was a crucial link connecting Yankton, located on the eastern bank, with Nebraska on the western side. Its completion not only facilitated easier transportation and trade between the two states but also symbolized the region's growing industrial and economic ambitions during the early 20th century.

The Meridian Bridge stood out not only for its practical utility but also for its engineering innovation at the time. Designed to accommodate both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, it became a vital artery for local commerce and social interactions, reinforcing Yankton's role as a pivotal hub in the region.
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1930 - July 4 – The dedication of George Washington's sculpted head is held at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.
On July 4, 1930, an iconic moment in American history unfolded at Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, with the dedication of George Washington's sculpted head. This event marked a significant milestone in the ambitious Mount Rushmore project initiated by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and his team. The dedication ceremony itself was a grand affair, drawing national attention and celebrating not just the completion of Washington's head but also signaling progress on what would become one of America's most recognizable landmarks.

Mount Rushmore, originally envisioned as a tribute to American democracy and its founding principles, aimed to immortalize key figures in U.S. history. George Washington, revered as the nation's first president and a symbol of leadership and integrity, was chosen as one of the initial figures to be sculpted into the granite face of the mountain.
July 4, 1930

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1933 - November 11 – Dust Bowl: In South Dakota, a very strong dust storm strips topsoil from desiccated farmlands
In November 1933, during the era of the Dust Bowl in the United States, South Dakota experienced a devastating dust storm that exemplified the environmental and agricultural crisis gripping the Great Plains. The storm, fueled by severe drought and poor land management practices, swept across desiccated farmlands with unprecedented force. It stripped away topsoil that had already been depleted of moisture and nutrients, leaving behind barren, eroded landscapes reminiscent of scenes from the Old Testament.

The event underscored the dire consequences of years of intensive farming and overgrazing, combined with a prolonged drought exacerbated by natural climatic cycles. The dust storms, often ominously called "black blizzards," not only ravaged agricultural productivity but also threatened public health by filling the air with fine particles that could cause respiratory problems and obscured sunlight for days.
November 11, 1933

February 17, 1936 - The temperature at McIntosh SD plunged to 58 degrees below zero to establish a state record.

WeatherForYou.com

1936 - August 30 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt attends the dedication of Thomas Jefferson's head at Mount Rushmore.
On August 30, 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt attended the dedication ceremony of Thomas Jefferson's head at Mount Rushmore, a momentous event in American history. Mount Rushmore, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, had been under construction since 1927 under the direction of sculptor Gutzon Borglum. The monument aimed to honor key figures in American history, with Jefferson representing the ideals of independence and democracy.

FDR's presence at the dedication underscored the significance of the project, which aimed not only to commemorate Jefferson but also to promote tourism and celebrate national identity during a challenging era marked by the Great Depression. Roosevelt's administration was known for its focus on public works and national projects aimed at boosting morale and creating jobs, making his attendance a symbol of national unity and pride. The dedication of Jefferson's head marked a milestone in the ongoing construction of Mount Rushmore, which would... Read MORE...


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1937 - September 17 – Abraham Lincoln is dedicated at Mount Rushmore
On September 17, 1937, Mount Rushmore National Memorial saw a significant event with the dedication of the Abraham Lincoln sculpture. This monumental occasion marked the completion of the Lincoln sculpture, one of the four iconic presidential faces carved into the granite face of the Black Hills in South Dakota. The dedication ceremony was a momentous affair, attended by dignitaries, politicians, and thousands of spectators who gathered to witness the unveiling and celebrate the addition of Lincoln's likeness alongside those of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt.

The Lincoln sculpture, masterfully crafted by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and his team, aimed to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, renowned for his leadership during the American Civil War and his efforts in abolishing slavery. The dedication underscored Mount Rushmore's significance not only as a feat of engineering and artistry but also as a symbol of American ideals and ... Read MORE...


Read more about Abraham LINCOLN

1939 - July 2 – Theodore Roosevelt's head is dedicated at Mount Rushmore.
On July 2, 1939, a significant event took place at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota: the dedication of Theodore Roosevelt's head. This event marked the completion of the massive sculptural project initiated by artist Gutzon Borglum in 1927. Mount Rushmore itself had been chosen as the site due to its solid granite face, which was suitable for carving and had already gained some local significance.

The dedication ceremony was a grand affair, attended by dignitaries and officials, including Roosevelt's son, Theodore Roosevelt Jr. The addition of Theodore Roosevelt's likeness completed the quartet of presidents depicted on Mount Rushmore, alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln. Roosevelt was selected for his contributions to conservation and his significant impact on American politics and society during his presidency (1901-1909).
July 2, 1939

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1941 - Mount Rushmore National Monument completed
In 1941, the iconic Mount Rushmore National Monument, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, was completed after 14 years of meticulous work. This colossal sculpture features the faces of four revered American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, carved into the granite face of the mountain. The project was initiated by sculptor Gutzon Borglum in 1927, who envisioned creating a lasting tribute to key figures in American history.

Each face on Mount Rushmore symbolizes different aspects of American leadership and values. Washington represents the birth of the nation and its struggle for independence; Jefferson, the expansion of the country through the Louisiana Purchase and his role as a Founding Father; Roosevelt, known for his progressive reforms and conservation efforts; and Lincoln, revered for his leadership during the Civil War and the abolition of slavery.
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January 20, 1943 - Strange vertical antics took place in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
While the temperature at Deadwood was a frigid 16 degrees below zero, the town of Lead, just a mile and a half away, but 600 feet higher in elevation, reported a balmy 52 degree reading.
WeatherForYou.com

January 22, 1943 - Chinook winds during the early morning hours caused the temperature at Spearfish SD to rise from 4 below zero to 45 above in just two minutes, the most dramatic temperature rise in world weather records.
An hour and a half later the mercury plunged from 54 above to 4 below zero in twenty-seven minutes.
WeatherForYou.com
January 22, 1943

1948 - Korcak Ziolkowski began work on Crazy Horse Mountain
In 1948, Korczak Ziolkowski embarked on a monumental task that would define his legacy and the landscape of South Dakota's Black Hills forever: the creation of Crazy Horse Mountain. Ziolkowski, a renowned sculptor with a passion for large-scale projects, was approached by Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear to honor the Native American leader Crazy Horse with a colossal sculpture. This ambitious endeavor aimed not just to memorialize Crazy Horse but also to celebrate Native American culture and resilience in the face of adversity.

Ziolkowski's work began with extensive planning and the clearing of the rugged terrain. The initial stages focused on shaping the massive figure of Crazy Horse, riding horseback with an outstretched arm, from the solid granite mountainside. Unlike Mount Rushmore, which honored American presidents, Crazy Horse Mountain symbolized a tribute to indigenous heritage and a defiance against historical erasure. Over the years, Ziolkowski and later his family... Read MORE...

1953 - Sitting Bull's grave sits on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River near Mobridge, South Dakota.
In 1953 under the cover of darkness, a group of South Dakotans snuck into North Dakota, exhumed his bones (with his relatives' permission) and reburied them in their rightful home.
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January 6, 1962 - Snow storm
Snow, strong winds, and sub-zero temperatures along with near blizzard conditions caused hazardous driving conditions across the area from the 6th into the 9th. Snowfall of generally 2 to 6 inches with winds of 30 to 40 mph caused widespread low visibilities along with drifts up to 4 foot high across central and northeast South Dakota.
National Weather Service (NOAA)

There's something for everyone in South Dakota. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in the Mount Rushmore State:
1. Mount Rushmore National Memorial: No trip to South Dakota is complete without visiting this iconic monument. Marvel at the massive sculptures of four U.S. presidents carved into the Black Hills.

2. Badlands National Park: Explore the otherworldly landscape of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires. Hiking, wildlife watching, and stargazing are popular activities here.

3. Custer State Park: This park offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, including bison herds and friendly donkeys. Don't miss the scenic Wildlife Loop Road.

4. Wind Cave National Park: Discover one of the longest caves in the world and the unique "boxwork" formations. Above ground, explore hiking trails and prairie landscapes.

5. Crazy Horse Memorial: Witness the ongoing carving of the world's largest sculpture, dedicated to the famous Native American leader Crazy Horse. The visitor center provides insights into Native American history.

6. Deadwood: Step back in time to the Wild West in this... Read MORE...