Everyone knows about South Dakota, a few inventions from South Dakota, and all of our one-of-a-kind attractions, but did you know that we were also the first to do some really big things? Whether you knew or not, read on as we discover these five facts and things from South Dakota make a trip here that much more interesting.
1. One of the first complete skeletons of a Tyrannosaurus Rex was found in South Dakota.
Discovered near the small town of Faith in 1990 by explorer and fossil collector Sue Hendrickson, the T-Rex was the first specimen of its kind, as it was more than 90% complete. "Sue" now resides at the Field Museum in Chicago after undergoing a long battle over who was the rightful owner of the remains. (The bones were eventually auctioned off to the highest bidder, which was Field at $7.6M!)
2. The first modern hot air balloon was flown in Sioux Falls.
Another one of the many interesting fun facts about South Dakota is about the hot air balloon. While the original hot air balloon was created in France in the late 1700s, it was revised and made safer in the 1960s by Raven Industries in Sioux Falls - another of the great South Dakota inventions!
3. In 2001, a first-of-its-kind WWII Memorial opened at the Capitol in Pierre.
4. South Dakota pays homage to the spud in an innovative new way!
In an effort to celebrate this profitable and important area food, the town of Clark began its annual Potato Days, which consists of mashed potato wrestling, recipe competitions, and even potato decorating! Since it first began in 1991, this quirky festival has become a state-wide favorite and takes place the first weekend of August.
5. SoDak was the first place in the world to ever experience a 49° temperature increase in less than five minutes.
Can you imagine the weather changing from -4° to 49° in 2 minutes flat?! That's exactly what happened in 1943 when the Black Hills region experienced this rare phenomenon.
Did you know about all these interesting facts and things from South Dakota? If so, which ones were your favorites? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
For even more fascinating history, check out these 12 rare photos that show South Dakota’s gold rush history like never before. And if you're as proud of your South Dakota roots as we are, why not wear them?
If you’re still in the mood for more South Dakota adventures, take a look at this video:
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