1. The Battle of White Stone Hill occurred on December 26, 1863, in what is now Dickey County, North Dakota. This battle was one of the most significant conflicts between US forces and the Sioux during the Dakota War of 1862.

2. On December 26, 1887, a severe blizzard hit the Great Plains. This storm, known as the Schoolhouse Blizzard, claimed the lives of hundreds of people and thousands of livestock.

3. In 1915, the city of Deadwood, South Dakota, was hit by a devastating fire on December 26. The fire destroyed much of the historic downtown area and caused millions of dollars in damage.

4. On December 26, 1944, the deadliest train accident in South Dakota history occurred near Alcester. The collision between two passenger trains claimed the lives of 36 people and injured over 100 more.

5. The Crazy Horse Memorial, located near Custer, South Dakota, was started on December 26, 1948. This massive sculpture, which is still under construction, is dedicated to the heroic legacy of the Lakota leader Crazy Horse.