South Dakota--GCF

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South Dakota Research


State Flower: Pasque
 
State Bird: Ring-necked Pheasant

Special thank you to Applepie_43 who did the original GCF South Dakota Genealogy Research Page

South Dakota History

South Dakota was a part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. The state was first explored in 1743, mainly by the Verendrye brothers, who were French explorers from Canada. They burried a lead plate to serve as proof of their visit and of the claim of France to this region. The plate was found in 1913. The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through the state in 1804 and 1806. Fort Teton (Fort Pierre) was established as a trading post in 1831. Steamboat serviced on the Missouri  started the following year. Fort Pierre became a United States Military post in 1855, and the Sioux Falls was founded inn 1857. South Dakota was successively placed under the governments of Missouri Territory in 1812, Michigan Territory in 1834, Wisconsin Territory in 1836, Iowa Territory in 1838, Minnesota Territory in 1849 and then became a part of the Nebraska Territory in 1854. Dakota Territory was organized in 1861 and until 1863 included parts of Montana and Wyoming. Railroad construction initiated rapid settlement and development of the state. On November 2, 1889 South Dakota became the 39 or the 40th state in the Union. President Benjamin Harrison signed the statehood for both North and South Dakota on this date and is not listed which he signed first. A great land rush ensued when nine million acres of Sioux Land was sold in 1892 --by Applepie_43

South Dakota Genealogy Links

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