1. On January 11, 1905, the South Dakota State Legislature passed a bill that authorized the establishment of the State School of Mines in Rapid City. The school's purpose was to provide training for engineers and scientists who would work in South Dakota's mining industry.

2. In 1944, a blizzard dubbed the "Great Plains Blizzard" hit South Dakota on January 11th. The storm brought temperatures as low as -50°F and caused extensive damage and loss of life. Over 60 people died as a result of the storm, and it is considered one of the worst blizzards in the state's history.

3. On January 11, 1968, a B-52 bomber carrying four nuclear bombs crashed near Rapid City, South Dakota. The bombs did not detonate, but they scattered radioactive material over a wide area. The incident, known as the "Gathering of Eagles," sparked concerns about the safety of nuclear weapons and their transportation.

4. The South Dakota State Capitol building in Pierre was dedicated on January 11, 1910, after three years of construction. The building's design was influenced by the Beaux-Arts style and features a dome that is 165 feet tall. It remains a prominent landmark in the state's capital city.

5. On January 11, 2001, the largest single-day cattle auction in South Dakota's history took place in Sturgis. Over 18,000 head of cattle were sold, with a total value of over $12 million. The auction was an important event for farmers and ranchers in the state, many of whom rely on the cattle industry for their livelihoods.