South Dakota ( The Coyote State / The Sunshine State ) 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. 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. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in South Dakota include: The Flag of South Dakota Entered the Union in 1889 as the 40th State; flag adopted in 1963. The State seal is represented against a sunburst. Its design includes symbols of stock raising, industry, agriculture commerce, and nature.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Sioux Falls, 123,975; Rapid City, 59,607; Aberdeen, 24,658; Watertown, 20,237; Brookings, 18,504; Mitchell, 14,558; Pierre, 13,876; Yankton, 13,528; Huron, 11,893; Vermillion, 9,765   Business and Trade in South Dakota Agriculture: Cattle, hogs, wheat, soybeans, milk, corn. Industries: Food processing, machinery, lumber and wood products, tourism. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Ring-necked Pheasant Flower: Pasqueflower (pulsatilla hirsutissima) Tree: Black Hills Spruce (picea glauca) Song(s): Hail, South Dakota Motto: Under God the People Rule South Dakota Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Madison Wetland Management District - Madison • James Diversion Reservoir - Huron • Cottonwood Springs Lake - Hot Springs • Deerfield Reservoir - Hill City • Belle Fourche Reservoir - Rapid City

Capital: Pierre     Local Weather  Statehood: 1889-11-02  Population: 754,844 (9.9 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 77,116.49     Water 1,231.85     Land 75,884.64     Rank 16th Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use     Youth Risk Survey   Housing: In South Dakota, there are 323,208 housing units, averaging to 4.3 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:   Posters and Artwork Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota Art Print 11" x 17" • Strange cloud formations near The Badlands, South Dakota Photographic Print 32" x 24" • Reflection of Mountains in Water, Palmer Creek Unit, Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA Photographic Print 24" x 8" • A Black-Tailed Prairie Dog - Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA Photographic Print 32" x 24" • Triceratops in Dinosaur Park, South Dakota Art Print 17" x 11" • Badlands, South Dakota Art Print 17" x 11"