Are you curious about the Mount Rushmore state?
Check out these South Dakota fun facts!
South Dakota became a state on November 2, 1889, making it the 40th state to join the union.
It is located in the midwestern part of America and has six bordering states: Wyoming, North Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Minnesota, and Iowa.
The land of South Dakota is abundant with fertile farmland, rolling mountains, and lush forests.
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What else can we learn about South Dakota?
Keep reading to find out!
Fun South Dakota Facts
One of the Highest Summits in America is in South Dakota
Black Elk Peak in South Dakota is the highest natural point east of the Rocky Mountains.
Situated in the Black Hills National Forest, the tip of the peak reaches 7,242 feet above sea level!
Wow!
Mount Rushmore is in South Dakota
Located in the Black Hills is the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
It is a massive sculpture of four past presidents of the United States.
Representing American history, the four presidents include George Washington who was our founding father, Thomas Jefferson who encouraged the growth of our nation, Theodore Roosevelt who helped to develop the States, and Abraham Lincoln who focused on the preservation of America.
Over 400 men worked on the giant rock carving, taking about 14 years to complete.
Finished in 1941, the monumental sculpture of each president is about 60 feet high and covers roughly 1,278 acres.
Amazing!
South Dakota has a Corn Palace
The Corn Palace, originally built in 1892, is a multipurpose arena for concerts and other events.
Located in Mitchell, South Dakota, the one-of-a-kind Corn Palace is covered with murals of crop art made from corn and other grains.
Each year, the building is decorated in new crop art designs.
It is a popular destination for locals and tourists, alike.
The Largest Mountain Carving is in Progress in South Dakota
The Crazy Horse Memorial is an unfinished rock carving of the Oglala Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse.
The sculpture is of the Native American warrior sitting on horseback and pointing to his tribal land.
So far, it has been more than 70 years and the rock sculpture is still not yet complete.
Once complete, the Crazy Horse Memorial will be 563 feet tall and 641 feet wide.
It will also hold the title as the world’s largest rock carving.
This memorial represents the importance of awareness and preservation of the culture, tradition and heritage of the North American Indians.
South Dakota is Home to the Badlands
The Badlands is one of the richest fossil beds in the world.
Situated in the western part of the state, the Badlands National Park spreads across 244,000 acres.
There have been many dinosaur fossils found, as well as, the remains of saber-tooth cats, rhinoceroses, ancient marine animals, and more.
The Badlands is also home to the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs (a museum) and is an ongoing excavation site.
Cool!
Interesting Facts About South Dakota
South Dakota has many unique qualities that make it a great state.
It is full of Native American culture, incredible ancient fossils, monumental mountains, and one-of-a-kind art.
South Dakota is an incredible place with a fascinating history and fabulous fun facts!
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