Fun Easy English - Travel the United States of America

CAPITAL CITY: Pierre (Pronounced Peer)

BACKGROUND

South Dakota was named for the Dakota division of the Sioux Indians. Dakota means "Friend". Today, just less than 10 percent of its population is American Indian. In 1889, South Dakota was admitted to the Union as the 40th state. On the same day, North Dakota was admitted. The Dakota Territory was divided along the 46th parallel. South Dakota is mainly a rural state. It is known for two monumental sculptures carved into the Black Hills -- Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which honors presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt, and the Crazy Horse Monument, still under construction, which honors the Oglala Sioux war chief. South Dakota is a state of many startling and beautiful contrasts.

Map showing the location of South Dakota

The wide Missouri River flows southward through the middle of the state. Low hills, formed by ancient glaciers and vast stretches of fertile cropland lie east of the river. The enchanting Black Hills rise abruptly in the southwest. Southeast of the Black Hills are the weirdly beautiful Badlands.

QUICK FACTS

The great seal of the state of South Dakota

Nickname: Mt. Rushmore State / Coyote State

Motto: Under God the People Rule.

Statehood: November 2, 1889 (39th or 40th -- Admitted the same day as ND.)

Origin of State's Name: Dakota is a Sioux Indian word for "friend."

Largest Cities: Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Watertown, Brookings

Border States: Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming

Land Area: 75,898 sq. mi., 16th largest

State Bird: Ring-necked Pheasant

State Flower: Pasqueflower (pulsatilla hirsutissima)

State Tree: Black Hills Spruce (picea glauca)

State Song: Hail, South Dakota

USEFUL LINKS

Miscellaneous

Travel and tourism site for South Dakota - This state travel and territorial tourism site provides ideas for your vacations, meetings, and more.