South Dakota

South Dakota is a  located in the  of the. It is named after the and    tribes. South Dakota was admitted to the Union on,. ( was admitted simultaneously.)

Located in the north-central United States, South Dakota is bisected by the, dividing the state into two socially and economically distinct halves, known to residents as "East River" and "West River." In the southwestern portion of the state rise the, a group of low, pine-covered mountains. A region of great religious importance to local as well as a major draw for the state  industry, the Black Hills are also the location of, probably the best-known location in the state and a widely-used unofficial symbol of South Dakota.

Historically dominated by an agricultural economy and a rural lifestyle, South Dakota has recently sought to diversify its economy in an effort to attract and retain residents. The state is still largely rural, though, with one of the lowest population densities in the United States. The centrally-located city of serves as the state capital, and, with 150,000 people, is the largest city in the state.

Geography
South Dakota is situated in the north-central United States, and is usually considered to be a part of the, although the region also covers the state. Additionally, South Dakota is at times considered to be a part of the. The runs through the central part of South Dakota. To the east of the river lie low hills and lakes formed by s. Fertile farm country covers the area. To the west of the river the land consists of deep s and rolling plains. South Dakota has a total land area of 77,116 sq. miles (199,905 km²), making the state the in the Union. South Dakota is bordered to the north by ; to the south by ; to the east by and ; and to the west by  and.

Regions
South Dakota has four major land regions: the ', the ', the ', and the '.

The Drift Prairie covers most of eastern South Dakota. This is the land of low hills and glacial lakes. This area was called Coteau des Prairies (Prairie Hills) by early French traders. In the north, the Coteau des Prairies is bordered on the east by the Valley and on the west by the James River Basin. The James River Basin is mostly flat land, following the flow of the through South Dakota from north to south.

The Dissected Till Plains lie in the southeastern corner of South Dakota. This area of rolling hills is criss-crossed by many streams. The Great Plains cover most of the western two-thirds of South Dakota. The Coteau de Missouri hills and valleys lie between the James River Basin of the Drift Prairie and the Missouri River. West of the Missouri River the landscape becomes more rugged and consists of rolling hills, plains, canyons, and steep flat-topped hills called s. These buttes sometimes rise 400 to 600 (120 to 180 ) above the plains. In the south, east of the Black Hills, lie the South Dakota.

The Black Hills are in the southwestern part of South Dakota and extend into Wyoming. This range of low mountains covers 6,000 s (15,500 ) with mountains that rise from 2,000 to 4,000 feet (600 to 1,200 m) above their bases. The highest point in South Dakota, (7,242 ft or 2,207 m above sea level), is in the Black Hills. This is the highest point between the and the. The Black Hills are rich in minerals such as, , , and. The, one of the largest gold mines in the United States, is located in the Black Hills.

The Missouri River is the largest and longest river in the state. Other major South Dakota rivers include the, the James, the , and the. South Dakota has many natural lakes, mostly occurring in the eastern part of the state. Additionally, s on the Missouri River create four large s:, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and.

Ecology
Much of South Dakota, with the notable exception of the Black Hills, is dominated by a temperate. Although grasses and crops cover most of this region, trees such as s, s, and s are common near rivers and in s.  in this area include, , , , and. The state bird, the, has adapted particularily well to the area after being introduced from , and growing populations of s are spread throughout the state, especially near the Missouri River. Rivers and lakes of the grasslands support populations of, , , and , along with other species. The Missouri River also contains the pre-historic.

Due to higher elevation and precipitation, the ecology of the Black Hills differs significantly from that of the plains. The mountains are thickly blanketed by various types of, mostly of the and  varieties. Black Hills mammals include, , , s, and s, while the streams and lakes contain several species of.

Climate
South Dakota has a with four very distinct seasons ranging from typically very cold winters and hot summers. During the summers, the average high temperature throughout the state is close to 90 °F for the high temperature, although it often cools down to close to 60 °F at night. It is not unusual for South Dakota to have severe hot, dry spells in the summer with the temperature climbing above 100 °F for the high temperature for days or weeks at a time. Winters are cold with high temperatures in January averaging below freezing and low temperatures averaging below 10 °F in most of the state.

The precipitation of the state ranges from semi-arid, in the northwestern part of the state (around 15 inches of annual precipitation) to semi-humid around the southeast portion of the state (around 25 inches of annual precipitation), although a small area centered around has the highest precipitation at nearly 30 inches per annum.

South Dakota summers bring frequent which can be severe with high winds, thunder, and hail. The eastern part of the state is often considered part of with the rate of tornadoes per square 10,000 miles approaching that of parts of  or, although the western part of the state is also vulnerable to tornadoes as well. Winters are somewhat more stable. Severe winter storms, occasionally, can happen in the winter, although the bulk of the snow which falls in South Dakota tends to be in the late autumn and early spring.

National Parks and Monuments
South Dakota contains several sites that are protected by the. Two have been established in South Dakota, both of which are located in the southwestern part of the state. was created in 1978. The park features a highly eroded, brightly-colored landscape surrounded by grasslands. , established in 1903 in the Black Hills, contains an extensive cave network as well as a large herd of. National Memorial in the Black Hills was established in 1925. The well-known attraction features a mountain carved by  to resemble four former U.S. presidents. Other areas managed by the National Park Service include near, the , the , which features a decommissioned , and the.

History
Human beings have lived in what is today South Dakota for at least several thousand years. and other explorers in the 1700s encountered a variety of groups including the  and , but by the early 1800s the  (, , and ) were dominant. In 1743, the brothers buried a plate near the site of modern day Pierre, claiming the region for  as part of. In 1803, the United States purchased the from.

President organized a group called the Corps of Discovery, led by  and  (commonly referred to as ""), to explore the newly-acquired region. In 1817, an American fur trading post was set up at present-day, beginning continuous American settlement of the area. In 1855, the U.S. Army bought but abandoned it the following year in favor of  to the south. Settlement by Americans and Europeans was, by this time, increasing rapidly, and in 1858, the signed the, ceding most of present-day eastern South Dakota to the.

Land speculators founded two of eastern South Dakota's largest present-day cities: in 1856 and  in 1859. In 1861, was established by the United States government (this initially included, South Dakota, and parts of  and ). Settlers from, , , and , as well as elsewhere in and from the eastern U.S. states increased from a trickle to a flood, especially after the completion of an eastern railway link to the territorial capital of Yankton in 1872, and the discovery of gold in the  in 1874 during a military expedition led by. This expedition took place despite the fact that the western half of present day South Dakota had been granted to the Sioux by the as part of the. The Sioux declined to grant rights or land in the Black Hills, and war broke out after the U.S. failed to stop white miners and settlers from entering the region. The Sioux were eventually defeated and settled on reservations within South Dakota and North Dakota.

An increasing population in Dakota Territory caused the territory to be divided in half and a for  for North Dakota and South Dakota (as well as  and ) titled the  was passed on,  during the Administration of. It was left to his successor,, to sign proclamations formally admitting North and South Dakota to the Union on ,. Harrison directed his  to shuffle the papers and obscure from him which he was signing first and the actual order went unrecorded.

On, , the occurred on the. Commonly cited as the last major armed conflict between the United States and the Sioux Nation, the massacre resulted in the deaths of an estimated 300 Sioux, many of them women and children. 25 U.S. soldiers were also killed in the conflict.

During the 1930s, several economic and climatic conditions combined with disastrous results for South Dakota. A lack of rainfall, extremely high temperatures and over-cultivation of farmland produced what was known as the in South Dakota and several other plains states. Fertile was blown away in massive dust storms, and several harvests were completely ruined. The experiences of the Dust Bowl, coupled with local bank s and the general economic effects of the resulted in many South Dakotans leaving the state. The population of South Dakota declined by more than seven percent between 1930 and 1940.

Economic stability returned with the U.S. entry into in 1941, when demand for the state's agricultural and industrial products grew as the nation mobilized for war. In 1944, the was passed as part of the  by the U.S. Congress, resulting in the construction of six large dams on the Missouri River, four of which are at least partially located in South Dakota. Flood control, and recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing are provided by the dams and their reservoirs.

In recent decades, South Dakota has transformed from a state dominated by agriculture to one with a more diversified economy. The tourism industry has grown considerably since the completion of the interstate system in the 1960s, with the Black Hills being especially impacted. The financial service industry began to grow in the state as well, with moving its credit card operations from New York to Sioux Falls in 1981, a move that has since been followed by several other financial companies. In 2007, the site of the recently-closed near  was chosen as the location of a new underground research facility. Despite a growing state population and recent economic development, many rural areas have been struggling over the past 50 years with locally declining populations and the emigration of educated young adults to larger South Dakota cities, such as Rapid City or Sioux Falls, or to other states.

Population
According to the, as of 2005, South Dakota has an estimated population of 775,933, which is an increase of 5,312, or 0.7%, from the prior year and an increase of 21,093, or 2.8%, since the year 2000. This includes a natural increase since the last census of 19,199 people (that is 56,247 births minus 37,048 deaths) and an increase due to net migration of 3,222 people into the state. Immigration from outside the United States resulted in a net increase of 3,957 people, and migration within the country produced a net loss of 735 people. 6.8% of South Dakota's population were reported as under 5, 26.8% under 18, and 14.3% were 65 or older. Females made up approximately 50.4% of the population. The of South Dakota is located in, in the unincorporated county seat of.

Race and Ethnicity
In 2005, the Census Bureau estimated that 88.5% of South Dakotans were, 8.8% were or , 2.1 were  (of any race), 0.8% were , 0.7% were , while 2.1% belonged to. The five largest ancestry groups in South Dakota are: (40.7%),  (15.3%),  (10.4%),  (8.3%), and  (7.1%). German-Americans are the largest ancestry group in most parts of the state, especially in the east, although there are also large Scandinavian populations in some counties. American Indians, largely Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota (Sioux) are predominant in several counties. South Dakota has the fourth highest proportion of Native Americans of any state, behind, , and. As of the 2000 census, 1.90% of the population aged 5 or older speak at home, while 1.51% speak, and 1.43%.

Growth and Rural Flight
South Dakota, in common with five other Midwest states (,, , , and ), is experiencing a trend of falling populations in rural counties, despite an overall increase in population for all of these states except North Dakota. 89% of the total number of cities in these six states have fewer than 3,000 people; hundreds have fewer than 1000. Between 1996 and 2004, almost half a million people, nearly half with college degrees, left the six states. "Rural flight" as it is called has led to offers of free land and tax breaks as enticements to newcomers.

The effect of rural flight has not been spread evenly through South Dakota, however. Although most rural counties and small towns have lost population, the Sioux Falls area and the Black Hills have gained population. In fact,, near Sioux Falls, is the ninth-fastest growing county (by percentage) in the United States. The growth in these areas has compensated for losses in the rest of the state, and South Dakota's total population continues to increase steadily, albeit at a slower rate than the national average.

Religion
According to a 2001 survey, 86% of South Dakotans described themselves as being members of a  denomination, while 8% said that they were not religious and 3% claimed faith in a non-Christian religion. The largest Christian denomination was (27%), followed closely by  at 25%. Other Christian denominations mentioned included (13%),  (4%),  (4%),  (2%),  (2%),  (1%), and  (1%). 7% responded either as a or a, while 2% refused to answer.

Economy
The current-dollar of South Dakota was $32.3 billion as of 2006. The per capita personal income was $26,894 in 2004, the 37th highest in the nation and 13.08 percent below the national average. 13.2% of the population is below the poverty line. As of July, 2007, South Dakota's was 3.0%, the fifth-lowest jobless rate in the nation.

The is the largest economic contributor in South Dakota. This sector includes the, , and industries. Government spending is another important segment of the state's economy, providing over ten percent of the gross state product. , near Rapid City, is the second-largest single employer in the state.

has historically been a key component of the South Dakota economy. Although other industries have expanded rapidly in recent decades, agricultural production is still very important to the state's economy, especially in rural areas. Major products of South Dakota agriculture include, , , , , , , , , , and. Agriculture-related industries such as and  production also have a considerable economic impact on the state. South Dakota is one of the top five ethanol-producing states in the nation.

Another important sector in South Dakota's economy is tourism. Many travel to view the attractions of the state, particularly those of the Black Hills region such as historic, Mt. Rushmore, and the nearby state and national parks. One of the largest tourist events in the state is the annual. The three-day event drew over 450,000 attendants in 2006, significant considering the state has a population of only 750,000. In 2006, tourism provided an estimated 33,000 jobs in the state and contributed over two billion US$ to the economy of South Dakota.

State Taxes
As of 2005, South Dakota has the lowest per capita total state tax rate in the United States. The state does not levy es, personal or corporate es or taxes on. The state rate is 4 percent. Various localities have local levies so that in some areas the rate is 6 percent. The state sales tax does not apply to sales to on, but many reservations have a compact with the state. Businesses on the reservation collect the tax and the state refunds to the Indian Tribes the percentage of sales tax collections relating to the ratio of Indian population to total population in the county or area affected.

es are local taxes and are a large source of funding for school systems, counties, municipalities and other local government units. Their administration is a local responsibility. The state revenue department does not collect or use property taxes, but it does centrally assess the property of large companies. The legislature sets some standards by general acts.

Transportation
South Dakota has a total of 83,609 miles of highways, roads, and streets, along with 679 miles of. Two major interstates pass through South Dakota:, which runs east and west; and , running north and south in the eastern portion of the state. The counties and towns along Interstate 29 make up what is locally referred to as "the I-29 corridor." This area features generally higher rates of population and economic growth than areas in eastern South Dakota that are further from the interstate. Interstate 90, being a major route between western national parks and large cities to the east, brings many out-of-state travelers through South Dakota, thus helping to boost the tourism and hospitality industries. Also located in the state are the shorter interstates, a into central Rapid City, and , a  around eastern and southern Sioux Falls. Several major s pass through the state. U.S. routes, , , , and travel east and west, while U.S. routes , ,  and  run north and south.

Railroads are another important means of transporting freight in South Dakota. While 4,420 miles of track have been built in the state, all prior to, only 1,839 miles of railroad are currently operational. is the largest railroad operating in South Dakota, with the being another important carrier. Rail transportation in the state is confined only to freight, however, as South Dakota is one of the few states without any service.

South Dakota s are numbered by, with the first digit referring to the county of origin. Such a allows one to easily determine where the vehicle was registered. Counties 1–9 are ranked by 1950 population, and counties 10–64 are numbered alphabetically.


 * Category: Transportation in South Dakota
 * Category: Transportation in South Dakota

Law and government


The state of South Dakota has three branches of government:, , and.

The current is.

Currently, there are 35 members of the state Senate and 70 members of the House of Representatives. The state is composed of 35 legislative districts. Voters elect one senator and two representatives from each district. The legislature meets once a year on the second Tuesday in January, and also if the governor calls a special session.

The state Supreme Court is the highest court in South Dakota and the court of last resort for state appellate actions. The chief justice and four justices comprise the South Dakota Supreme Court. South Dakota is divided into seven judicial circuits. There are 39 circuit judges serving in the seven circuits. s are the state's trial courts of general jurisdiction. There are 12 full-time and three part-time s in the seven circuits. s assist the circuit courts in disposing of criminal cases and minor civil actions. These courts of limited jurisdiction make the judicial system more accessible to the public by providing a means of direct court contact for the average citizen.

South Dakota is represented at the federal level by, Senator , and.

Politics
South Dakota politics are generally dominated by the, and the state has not supported a presidential candidate since 1964 — especially notable when one considers that , the Democratic nominee in 1972, was from South Dakota. In 2004, won the state's three s with 59.9% of the vote. Additionally, a Democrat has not won the governorship since 1978. As of 2006, Republicans hold a 10% voter registration advantage over Democrats and hold majorities in both the state House of Representatives and Senate. All but one of the current statewide elected officers are Republicans.

Despite the state's general Republican and conservative leanings, Democrats have found success in various state-wide elections, most notably in those involving South Dakota's congressional representatives in. Two of the three current members of the state's congressional delegation are Democrats, and until his electoral defeat in 2004 Senator served as both senator for South Dakota as well as the senate minority (briefly majority) leader.

Contemporary political issues in South Dakota include the legality of the, South Dakota's relatively low rankings in education spending (particularly teacher pay), and recent to ban abortion in the state.

Notable Cities and Towns

 * - 3rd largest city -
 * - geographic center of the nation
 * - 5th largest city &
 * - historic town now home to many s
 * - childhood home of and the birthplace of author
 * - South Dakota State Fair
 * - and
 * - State Capital
 * - 2nd largest city
 * - Largest City
 * - 4th largest city
 * - original capital of Dakota Territory
 * - 4th largest city
 * - original capital of Dakota Territory
 * - 4th largest city
 * - original capital of Dakota Territory
 * - original capital of Dakota Territory

Miscellaneous topics
South Dakota is home to the largest naturally heated indoor swimming pool in the world. Evans Plunge, heated from natural mineral springs, is in.

The of South Dakota was one of the sites considered for the permanent home of the.

South Dakota has the largest U.S. population of, who originally emigrated from Ukraine in 1874, left en masse for Canada in 1918 following persecution over their pacifist religious beliefs, and partially returned in the 1930s.

The largest and most complete fossil of  ever found was uncovered near in 1990. Named "," the remains are over 90% complete and are currently on display at the in.

The 1990 movie  directed by and starring as Lieutenant John Dunbar was filmed entirely in South Dakota.

Three ships have been named  in honor of the state.

Five of South Dakota's counties lie entirely within s. They are:, , , , and.

is the second-smallest (in terms of population) state capital; only, has fewer people.

The 68-mile-long  offers views of the  along  and.

State symbols

 * : Ring-neck
 * : American
 * : Black Hills
 * : State (official),  state &  state (both unofficial)
 * : "Under God, the people rule"
 * : "Great Faces. Great Places."
 * : Rose
 * : - Apis mellifera L.
 * State jewelry: Black Hills Gold
 * State dessert:
 * State bread:
 * State jewelry: Black Hills Gold
 * State dessert:
 * State bread:
 * State bread:

Famous South Dakotans