1. On January 4, 1906, South Dakota Governor Samuel H. Elrod signed a bill creating the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City. This institution is still a top engineering and science school today.

2. On January 4, 1935, the famous Sioux Indian Chief Luther Standing Bear died in California. He was a prominent author, lecturer, and activist who fought for Native American rights and cultural preservation.

3. South Dakota's first female Secretary of State, Alice Kundert, was born on January 4, 1926. She served in this role from 1973 to 1979 and was the first woman elected statewide in South Dakota.

4. On January 4, 1964, the winter storm dubbed the "Great Blizzard of 1964" struck South Dakota and other parts of the Midwest. The storm dumped over two feet of snow in some areas and caused extensive damage.

5. In 1980, on January 4th, The South Dakota National Guard's 109th Engineer Battalion was deployed to assist with rescue and recovery efforts in Arkansas following massive flooding. They worked tirelessly to help the affected communities and earned recognition for their bravery and hard work.