Today In History
5 Fun Facts About July 8 In South Dakota History
1. The Great Flood of 1972: On July 8, 1972, heavy rainfall caused massive flooding across the state of South Dakota. The flood caused significant damage to towns and communities throughout the state, including Rapid City, where over 200 people lost their lives. 2. The Battle of Killdeer Mountain: On...
5 Fun Facts About July 7 In South Dakota History
1. The Battle of Slim Buttes took place on July 7, 1876, near present-day Reva, South Dakota. In this battle, a group of Lakota warriors led by Chief Crazy Horse attacked a detachment of the U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry, resulting in a significant defeat for the cavalry. The battle was...
5 Fun Facts About July 6 In South Dakota History
1. In 1874, General George Armstrong Custer led an expedition into the Black Hills region of South Dakota. This led to the discovery of gold in the area, which sparked the Black Hills Gold Rush. 2. Deadwood, South Dakota was founded on July 6, 1876. This town became famous for...
5 Fun Facts About July 5 In South Dakota History
1. In 1956, the South Dakota National Guard was activated to help evacuate homes and build levees during flooding of the James and Big Sioux Rivers. 2. In 1921, construction was completed on the South Dakota State Capitol building in Pierre. The building still serves as the state's seat of...
5 Fun Facts About July 4 In South Dakota History
1. The first Fourth of July celebration in South Dakota occurred in 1876, the same year as the state's centennial. The celebration included a procession of wagon trains, dances, speeches, and a grand ball. 2. In 1899, a group of Lakota Sioux leaders protested the Fourth of July parade in...
5 Fun Facts About July 3 In South Dakota History
1. The Battle of Gettysburg: Although it happened in Pennsylvania, July 3, 1863, marks the third and final day of the Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the Civil War. South Dakotans fought on both sides, including the famous 1st Regiment South Dakota Volunteer Infantry. 2. Gold was discovered...
5 Fun Facts About July 2 In South Dakota History
1. Homestake Mine Fire: On July 2, 1912, a devastating underground fire broke out in the Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota. The fire caused extensive damage and claimed the lives of ten miners. 2. Statehood Day: South Dakota celebrates Statehood Day on July 2 to commemorate the day in...
5 Fun Facts About July 1 In South Dakota History
1. Statehood Day: July 1, 1890 marks the day of South Dakota's official statehood. Prior to that, it was considered as part of the Dakota Territory. 2. Mount Rushmore Completion: On July 1, 1941, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial was completed after 14 years of work. The faces of George...
5 Fun Facts About June 30 In South Dakota History
1. On June 30, 1854, Fort Pierre was established in what is now Stanley County. The fort was named after Pierre Chouteau Jr., a fur trader and prominent figure in the North American fur trade. 2. In 1898, the town of Martin, located in Bennett County, was incorporated on June...
5 Fun Facts About June 29 In South Dakota History
1. On June 29, 1891, the first rodeo was held in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. The event included riding, roping, and bronco-busting competitions, and it continues to be an annual tradition in the town today. 2. In 1944, June 29 marked the day that the U.S. Army Air Forces bombed...
5 Fun Facts About June 28 In South Dakota History
1. On June 28, 1922, the state of South Dakota saw a rare natural phenomenon – a total solar eclipse. The eclipse was visible across the state and attracted thousands of spectators to witness this breathtaking event. 2. June 28, 1965, was a significant day in the history of civil...
5 Fun Facts About June 27 In South Dakota History
1. On June 27, 1918, the United States government established Badlands National Monument in South Dakota. The park is famous for its unique terrain, which includes steep canyons, spires, and towering pinnacles. 2. In 1983, the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally began on June 27, drawing thousands of bikers to the...