South Dakota became the 50th state on Nov 2nd 1889. South Dakota is also known as "Mount Rushmore" state in reference to the four US presidents faces that are carved in to Mount Rushmore. Mount Rushmore has the glorious Black Hills as the backdrop and the prairie to the fore. The four US president's faces are George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson.
Origin of state's name: The state is named after an Indian tribe than once inhabited the area.
Capital city: The capital city is Pierre and the state is surrounded buy other states including Iowa, North Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Minnesota and Montana.
Population: The population of South Dakota is about 750,000 based on the last census in 2000.
Driving
Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, Driver's manuals and testing locations can all be found on the South Dakota Department of Public Safety's website.
http://www.state.sd.us/dps/dl/sddriver.ht
Economy: The economy is driven by many different industries. Dairy and poultry farming as well as corn and wheat harvesting contribute to the states economy. Heavy equipment production and production of wood products and tourism are also big contributors to the economy.
State Bird: The state bird is the Chinese ring necked Pheasant. This bird was originally brought in from Asia, hence the name and is considered a culinary delicacy by many. The pheasant is also noted for it beautiful colored plumage.
State Flower: The state flower is Pasque Flower or ppulsatilla tirsutissima which as a beautiful lavender color and is not unlike the buttercup in shape and size. In fact it is a member of the buttercup family.
State Song: The state song is "Hail, South Dakota" by D. Hammitt which sings the praises of this great state.
State Motto: The state motto is "Under God the people rule"