1. The Dakota Territorial Legislature met for the first time on December 16, 1861 in Yankton, which would become the territorial capital. This marked an important milestone in the history of South Dakota and the beginning of its path towards statehood.

2. The Wounded Knee Massacre, one of the deadliest incidents in the history of the American West, occurred on December 16, 1890. At least 150 Lakota Sioux, including men, women, and children, were killed by the US Army in what would be remembered as one of the final confrontations of the Indian Wars.

3. The Great Blizzard of 1949 struck South Dakota on December 16, dumping up to 30 inches of snow and causing widespread transportation disruptions and power outages. This severe weather event, which lasted for several days, remains one of the most extreme blizzards in the state's history.

4. The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site in western South Dakota was dedicated on December 16, 2006. The site preserves a Cold War-era missile silo and launch facility and offers visitors a glimpse into the history of nuclear weapons and their role in national security.

5. December 16, 2019 marked the 14th anniversary of the reopening of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial visitor center. The building had undergone a major renovation to modernize its exhibits and enhance visitor amenities, making it one of South Dakota's top tourist attractions.