1. In 1889, South Dakota was admitted as the 40th state of the United States. After years of efforts made by its residents to become a state, South Dakota finally achieved statehood on November 16th, 1889.

2. On November 16, 1936, the November 1936 Black Hills earthquake hit South Dakota. The magnitude 6.1 earthquake was one of the largest recorded in the state's history, causing damage to several buildings and homes.

3. In 1973, the Wounded Knee Siege began on November 16th. The conflict between members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) and federal law enforcement authorities lasted for 71 days, ending on May 8, 1973.

4. In 1983, the Miss South Dakota USA pageant took place on November 16th. From the pageant, Kristi Albers was crowned as Miss South Dakota and went on to compete in the Miss USA pageant.

5. The Oahe Dam, one of the largest dams in the United States, was dedicated on November 16, 1962. The dam is located on the Missouri River and provides hydroelectric power, flood control, and water supply for South Dakota and neighboring states.