1. In 1898, the Black Hills Railroad was completed, linking Deadwood and Lead in South Dakota. The railroad was instrumental in the development of the Black Hills region and boosted the local economy.

2. In 1939, the famous South Dakota artist, Harvey Dunn, completed his mural called "The Prairie is My Garden" at the South Dakota State Capitol building in Pierre. The mural depicts the life and challenges of farmers during the Great Depression.

3. In 1965, the Minuteman missile silos were first operationalized in South Dakota. The silos served as part of the United States' Cold War nuclear deterrent and were located throughout the state.

4. In 1978, South Dakota voters approved a constitutional amendment to allow casinos in Deadwood. This marked the beginning of the state's gaming industry, which has since become a major source of revenue.

5. In 2003, former South Dakota Governor Bill Janklow was convicted of manslaughter for his involvement in a fatal car accident that occurred in August of that year. Janklow served time in prison and was eventually released on parole.