1. South Dakota became a state on July 14, 1890. It was the 40th state to be admitted to the Union. To celebrate this historic event, the state of South Dakota holds a celebration each year on July 14th.

2. On July 14, 1917, the first Sioux Falls Municipal Airport was dedicated. The airport was constructed on the northeast side of Sioux Falls and served as a local airfield until the 1940s when the current Sioux Falls Regional Airport was built.

3. The world's first underground research laboratory for geothermal energy was opened on July 14, 1979, near the town of Hot Springs. The laboratory was part of a joint venture between the federal government and the state of South Dakota, aimed at developing geothermal energy resources.

4. On July 14, 1987, a major flood hit Rapid City, causing millions of dollars in damage and loss of life. The flood was caused by heavy rains that fell over a two-day period, resulting in flash flooding and mudslides. It is considered to be one of the worst natural disasters in South Dakota history.

5. In recent years, July 14th has become associated with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which begins around this time each year. The rally draws hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world to the small town of Sturgis, South Dakota, for a week of events and festivities.