Discover the most intriguing facts about South Dakota, the land of majestic beauty, as we dive into the heart of the Mount Rushmore State. Unearth a treasure trove of fascinating tidbits that showcase why South Dakota is a truly unique and captivating destination. If you hail from the state of South Dakota, you should be proud that you come from a place where people are kind, the history is rich, and hometown pride is visible. As if that wasn't enough, you should also be proud that:
1. South Dakota ditched Columbus for Native American Day.
...and rightfully so! After former Governor George S. Mickelson (pictured) passed his "Year of Reconciliation" between Native Americans and whites in 1990, the state has continued to observe this new day. (Interesting fact: SoDak and Vermont are the only two states to not observe Columbus Day as a federal holiday.)
2. We may be small in terms of population, but tourism is still our second largest industry!
Just how much do our out-of-town friends bring in each year? A cool $2 BILLION! What other industry could possibly top that? If you guessed agriculture, you would be correct.
3. Our native sons created the first modern hot air balloon.
The original hot air balloon may have been designed in France in the late 1700s, but a safer and more sustainable version was in fact invented at Sioux Falls' Raven Industries in the early 1960s.
4. Speaking of native sons, Tom Brokaw, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Nobel Prize winner Ernest O. Lawrence all hail from the Mount Rushmore State.
Bob Barker is from here, too, but we will save that gush fest for another day!
5. We are always ready for our closeup!
South Dakota is a popular place to shoot movies and we can see why! (A few of our more popular films include "Dances With Wolves," "North by Northwest," and "How The West Was Won.")
6. South Dakota hosts the world's largest annual motorcycle rally.
Can you see now why we make over $2B a year from tourism alone?!
7. We begin nearly every day with this ...
8. ... and end it like that.
This is something that is obviously out of our control, but we can still be proud of the fact that we live in the most gorgeous state in the country.
9. Finally, South Dakotans are some of the kindest ...
An average 1,950,285,204 casseroles are shared with those in need each year in the Mount Rushmore State! (That is the exact number ... just take my word for it.)
10. ... hardest working ...
Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse didn't just carve themselves, people!
11. ... and smartest people you will ever meet.
Hey, I don't make the news; I just report it.
Need even more reasons to feel proud? Check out these 13 Reasons South Dakotans Should Be Proud Of Our Farming Roots.
What are some other fun things about South Dakota? Let us know below in the comments section. And share other South Dakota history that you think is noteworthy. We love hearing from all of you.
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