1. In 1887, the first train arrived in the town of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This event marked a significant moment in the state's history, as railroads helped to open up the region to settlers, commerce, and industry.
2. On January 24, 1898, the state's first public library opened in Sioux Falls. The library was a gift from industrialist Andrew Carnegie, who donated millions of dollars to build libraries across the United States.
3. In 1941, the first edition of the Rapid City Journal was published. The newspaper has been a staple of South Dakota's media landscape ever since, covering important stories and events over the years.
4. On January 24, 1973, the United States Supreme Court handed down its decision in the landmark case of Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion nationwide. The decision continues to be a controversial issue in South Dakota and across the country.
5. In 1984, Native American activist Russell Means announced his bid for the United States presidency in Rapid City. Means, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, was a vocal advocate for Native American rights and a controversial figure in South Dakota politics.