Trace the Course of South Dakota History From 1700 to Present Day

South Dakota has a fascinating history stretching back thousands of years. Long before it became the 40th state, the region was home to Native American nations, explored by European adventurers, crossed by fur traders and steamboats, and transformed by settlers, railroads, mining and agriculture.

Here are some interesting milestones that help trace the course of South Dakota history from the 1700s to the present day.

1700 — Early European Trade

French traders were already reaching the Big Sioux River Valley by around 1700, trading with Native peoples near what are now Sioux Falls and Flandreau. European trade goods such as glass beads, metal knives and other manufactured items began appearing in the archaeological record.

1708–1710 — Horses Arrive

Horses began making their way north onto the Great Plains. The Dakota acquired some of their first horses during this period, and over the following decades horses dramatically changed transportation, hunting and warfare among Plains tribes.

1743 — The Verendrye Expedition

The Verendrye brothers traveled through western South Dakota while searching for a route to the fabled “Western Sea.” Their expedition passed around the Black Hills before reaching the Missouri River. They placed a lead plate bearing the arms of France near present-day Fort Pierre to claim the territory for France.

1750s — The Dakota Reach the Missouri

By about 1750, Teton Dakota bands had moved westward from the James and Big Sioux river valleys and reached the Missouri River. Their expansion brought them into prolonged contact and conflict with the Arikara, who had established substantial agricultural villages along the Missouri.

South Dakota was technically Spanish territory for about 40 years!

1762 — South Dakota Becomes Spanish Territory

In 1762, France secretly transferred its Louisiana territory to Spain. That meant the land that would eventually become South Dakota was technically under Spanish control, even though there was little direct Spanish presence here.

The territory remained Spanish until 1800, when it was transferred back to France shortly before the Louisiana Purchase.

So, technically, South Dakota was Spanish territory for about four decades!

1760s–1770s — The Horse Changes the Plains

By the 1760s, horses had become an important part of life among tribes along the Missouri River. The Arikara were particularly important in the horse trade, helping horses spread eastward and northward.

By about 1770, horses were being used by tribes across much of the northern Plains.

1770s — The Lakota and the Black Hills

During the latter part of the 18th century, Lakota bands expanded farther west and established themselves in the Black Hills region.

The Black Hills would become central to Lakota history, culture and spirituality — and, more than a century later, the center of major conflicts over land and gold.

1780s — Yankton and Yanktonai Movement

Around 1780, Yankton and Yanktonai Dakota bands moved into the James River Valley after being pushed westward from present-day Iowa. The James River corridor became an important area for Dakota communities and trade.

1785 — Pierre Dorion

Pierre Dorion, a French trader who would later serve as a guide and interpreter for Lewis and Clark, married a Yankton woman and established himself as a trader near the mouth of the James River.

1790s — Trading Posts Appear

European-American traders increasingly traveled up the Missouri River during the 1790s.

In 1796, trader Loisel built a trading post on Cedar Island between present-day Pierre and the Big Bend — considered the first recorded trading post within what is now South Dakota. Another trading post known as the Pawnee House was established in 1797.

1804 — Lewis and Clark Explore South Dakota

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark explored present-day South Dakota along the Missouri River. The expedition met with Yankton and Teton Dakota leaders during its journey.

Today, South Dakota highways 1804 and 1806 commemorate the expedition’s journey up the Missouri River in 1804 and its return trip in 1806.

1831 — Steamboats Arrive

The Yellowstone, one of the first steamboats to travel the Missouri River, reached Fort Tecumseh near present-day Fort Pierre in 1831.

Steamboat travel opened a new era of trade along the Missouri River, helping transform the area around present-day Fort Pierre into an important center of commerce.

1861 — Dakota Territory Is Organized

Yankton was named the capital of the newly organized Dakota Territory. The territory included present-day South Dakota and North Dakota, as well as large portions of what would eventually become Wyoming and Montana.

A replica of the Territorial Capitol can still be found in Yankton’s Riverside Park.

1864 — Fort Wadsworth Is Established

The U.S. Army established Fort Wadsworth on the Dakota prairie to provide protection for settlers and travelers in the region.

Today, the post is known as Fort Sisseton and is one of the nation’s best-preserved military forts from the frontier era.

1874 — Gold Is Discovered in the Black Hills

An expedition led by Lt. Col. George A. Custer entered the Black Hills in 1874 and reported the discovery of gold.

By 1876, gold fever had spread throughout the Hills. Deadwood became one of the West’s most famous mining camps, attracting characters such as Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Potato Creek Johnny.

Many of Deadwood’s famous residents are buried at historic Mount Moriah Cemetery.

1876 — Jesse James Makes a Famous Escape

With a posse hot on his trail, Jesse James reportedly spurred his horse across Devil’s Gulch near present-day Garretson.

The gulch is about 20 feet wide and 50 feet deep. According to the famous story, Jesse took the leap while members of the posse watched in disbelief — and the notorious outlaw escaped.

150 nuclear missiles were once scattered across western South Dakota.

1878 — The Great Dakota Boom

Pioneering farmers began rushing into Dakota Territory to claim land in what became known as the “Great Dakota Boom.”

The following year, the Ingalls family settled in De Smet. The town later became famous as the setting for five of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books.

1889 — South Dakota Becomes a State

South Dakota achieved statehood on November 2, 1889.

Pierre became the temporary capital, but several cities competed for the honor of becoming the permanent capital. The issue wouldn’t be settled for nearly 20 years.

1890 — Wounded Knee

On December 29, 1890, the U.S. 7th Cavalry killed more than 250 Lakota men, women and children at Wounded Knee.

The tragedy became known as the Wounded Knee Massacre and remains one of the most painful and significant events in South Dakota history.

A stone monument marks the site near the town of Wounded Knee.

1927 — Work Begins on Mount Rushmore

Sculptor Gutzon Borglum began work on Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the Black Hills.

Borglum originally envisioned carving the presidents from the waist up, but the project was never completed as originally planned. Work ended in 1941.

Today, Mount Rushmore is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States.

1935 — Rural Electricity Comes to South Dakota

South Dakota’s first electric cooperative was organized in 1935 in Burbank.

Many other cooperatives followed, bringing electricity to rural communities and farms across the state and dramatically changing everyday life.

1941 — The U.S.S. South Dakota

The battleship U.S.S. South Dakota was launched in 1941 and went on to serve with distinction during World War II.

The ship participated in major Pacific battles and helped defend American forces against Japan. For security reasons, the Navy sometimes referred to the famous battleship as “Battleship X.”

1944 — The Missouri River Is Transformed

The Pick-Sloan Flood Control Act was passed in 1944, leading to the construction of four major dams on the Missouri River in South Dakota.

Today, Oahe, Big Bend, Fort Randall and Gavins Point dams help control flooding, generate electricity and provide some of the state’s most popular recreational opportunities.

1948 — The Crazy Horse Memorial Begins

The first blast took place in 1948 on the mountain that would become the Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills.

The enormous carving was envisioned as a tribute to Native Americans. Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski worked on the project until his death in 1982, and his family continues the nonprofit project today.

1973 — Wounded Knee Occupation

About 200 members and supporters of the American Indian Movement occupied Wounded Knee for 71 days in 1973.

The occupation drew national attention to Native American rights, treaty issues and conditions on reservations.

1989 — South Dakota Celebrates 100 Years

South Dakota celebrated its centennial in 1989, marking 100 years since statehood.

The celebration also helped spark renewed interest in preserving and sharing the state’s history.

2000 — George McGovern Receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Former South Dakota senator and presidential candidate George McGovern received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in August 2000.

The nation’s highest civilian honor recognized his long career in public service and humanitarian work.

2001 — South Dakota Remembers World War II

The World War II Memorial on the South Dakota Capitol grounds in Pierre was unveiled in 2001.

The memorial honors South Dakotans who served during World War II and provides a lasting reminder of the state’s contribution to the war effort.

2002 — Minuteman Missiles in South Dakota

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site was established to preserve important pieces of South Dakota’s Cold War history.

At one time, 150 Minuteman missiles were spread across roughly 13,500 square miles of western South Dakota. Today, visitors can tour a preserved missile silo and an underground launch control facility.

It is a fascinating reminder that South Dakota was once on the front lines of the Cold War.

2004 — Lewis and Clark Bicentennial

South Dakota celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with events and commemorations along the Missouri River.

The original expedition traveled approximately 360 miles along the Missouri through South Dakota.

The bicentennial also highlighted the Native nations who encountered the Corps of Discovery and whose histories are an important part of the Lewis and Clark story.

2007 — The Center of the Nation

A new monument honoring Belle Fourche as the Geographic Center of the Nation was dedicated in 2007.

The monument includes flags representing all 50 states. The actual geographic-center marker is located several miles north of Belle Fourche in the countryside.

2008 — A South Dakota Winter to Remember

A major November blizzard brought heavy snow and powerful winds to western and central South Dakota.

Near Deadwood, snowfall approached 46 inches, while winds created enormous drifts in some areas. Interstate 90 was closed for an extended stretch between Mitchell and Wyoming.

South Dakotans are accustomed to winter, but every once in a while Mother Nature reminds everyone who’s really in charge.

2009 — Preserving South Dakota’s Story

South Dakota continued expanding efforts to preserve and interpret its history through historic sites, markers, archives and preservation projects.

Programs such as the state’s “Marks of History” initiative helped tell the stories of communities, people and events that shaped South Dakota.

2014 — South Dakota Turns 125

South Dakota celebrated its quasquicentennial — the 125th anniversary of statehood.

Communities across the state held special events recognizing the people, places and stories that shaped South Dakota during its first 125 years.

2015 — Big Anniversaries in the Black Hills

2015 was a big anniversary year for South Dakota tourism.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally celebrated its 75th anniversary, while Custer State Park’s famous Buffalo Roundup celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The Buffalo Roundup drew a record crowd of more than 22,000 visitors that year.

2016 — Standing Rock and the Dakota Access Pipeline

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and supporters from around the country gathered in North Dakota and South Dakota to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline and raise concerns about water, tribal sovereignty, cultural resources and the pipeline’s proposed crossing beneath the Missouri River at Lake Oahe.

The protests became an international story and brought renewed attention to Native American rights, treaty history and the relationship between tribal nations and the federal government.

2017 — The Legion Lake Fire

In December 2017, the Legion Lake Fire swept through the Black Hills.

The fire burned approximately 54,000 acres, including more than 36,000 acres within Custer State Park, making it one of the largest wildfires in South Dakota history.

More than 340 firefighters worked to battle the blaze. Despite the destruction, no lives were lost and no primary homes were destroyed.

2018 — A Historic April Blizzard

On April 14, 2018, a powerful spring blizzard slammed South Dakota and neighboring states.

The storm brought hurricane-force wind gusts, near-zero visibility and more than a foot of snow in many locations. The timing made the storm particularly difficult for farmers because it arrived during calving season.

It was a reminder that in South Dakota, winter isn’t always finished just because the calendar says spring.

2018 — 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage

2018 marked the 100th anniversary of South Dakota women gaining the right to vote in state elections.

On November 5, 1918, South Dakota women voted in a statewide election for the first time after decades of work by suffragists.

The centennial provided an opportunity to remember the South Dakotans who fought for voting rights.

2019 — Custer State Park Turns 100

Custer State Park celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019.

Established in 1919, the park grew from a small game reserve into one of South Dakota’s most famous destinations, known for its bison herd, wildlife, scenic drives and rugged Black Hills landscape.

2020 — South Dakota Faces the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed life around the world — and South Dakota became nationally known for taking a different approach than many other states.

The state remained open while businesses, communities and residents dealt with the pandemic in their own ways.

That summer, the 80th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally went ahead during the pandemic, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and generating national attention.

2020 — Fireworks Return to Mount Rushmore

After more than a decade without fireworks, Mount Rushmore once again hosted an Independence Day fireworks celebration on July 3, 2020.

The event drew national attention and included a visit from President Donald Trump.

The return of fireworks became one of the most memorable South Dakota events of 2020.

2020 — South Dakota’s Population Passes 886,000

The 2020 U.S. Census counted 886,667 people living in South Dakota.

That’s an increase of more than 72,000 people since the 2010 Census, when the state had 814,180 residents.

2021 — Tourism Reaches a Record

South Dakota’s tourism industry rebounded strongly following the first year of the pandemic.

In 2021, visitors spent approximately $4.4 billion in the state — an all-time record at the time — while 13.5 million visitors traveled to South Dakota.

The state’s wide-open spaces, outdoor recreation and national attractions proved especially popular with travelers.

2021 — The State Game Lodge Turns 100

Custer State Park’s historic State Game Lodge celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021.

The lodge has hosted numerous notable visitors over the years, including President Calvin Coolidge, who used the lodge as his “Summer White House” during his 1927 visit to the Black Hills.

2022 — South Dakota Celebrates Its History

South Dakota continued to highlight its history and heritage in 2022, including the 50th anniversary of the South Dakota Humanities Council and the 50th anniversary of Palisades State Park.

The state also commemorated the 100th anniversary of South Dakota’s memorial stone at the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.

2023 — Tourism Sets Another Record

South Dakota’s tourism industry set two major records in 2023.

The state welcomed approximately 14.7 million visitors, while visitor spending reached about $4.96 billion.

The same year, Custer State Park’s Buffalo Roundup set an attendance record with more than 22,500 spectators watching the annual event.

2024 — A Record-Breaking Tourism Year

South Dakota welcomed approximately 14.9 million visitors in 2024.

Those visitors spent a record $5.09 billion in the state, making 2024 another landmark year for South Dakota’s tourism industry.

State parks and national parks also attracted millions of visitors, continuing South Dakota’s transformation into one of the country’s best-known outdoor travel destinations.

2025 — Mount Rushmore Turns 100

2025 marked 100 years since the creation of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial project.

The federal government authorized the memorial in March 1925, and the site was officially dedicated as a national memorial later that year.

A century after the idea was first approved, Mount Rushmore remains South Dakota’s most recognizable landmark and one of America’s most famous monuments.

2026 — South Dakota Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday

South Dakota joined the nation in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

The celebration’s centerpiece was the return of fireworks to Mount Rushmore on July 3 as part of the Freedom 250 celebration.

More than 102,000 people entered the ticket lottery for approximately 4,800 available spots, and more than 4,000 people ultimately attended the event from more than 40 states.

The celebration generated an estimated $2.35 million in economic impact for the region and put South Dakota — once again — on the national stage.

And so the story continues…

From Native nations and early explorers to gold miners, homesteaders, presidents, pioneers, soldiers, ranchers, artists and travelers, South Dakota’s history is still being written.

Who knows what the next chapter will bring?

Sources: Travel South Dakota; South Dakota State Historical Society; National Park Service; South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks; South Dakota Department of Tourism; U.S. Census Bureau; National Weather Service; U.S. Department of the Interior.