How South Dakota Became a State

The state of South Dakota is located in the Midwestern region of the United States and is known for its vast plains and rolling hills. It is home to the Black Hills National Forest, Badlands National Park, and the Missouri River. South Dakota has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s when it was first explored and settled by European settlers. In 1889, South Dakota became the 40th state to join the United States of America.

Pre-Statehood

Early Native American Tribes

The first inhabitants of the area now known as South Dakota were Native American tribes, including the Sioux, Arikara, and Mandan. These tribes had lived in the area for centuries, and were well-established by the time the first European settlers arrived. The Sioux, in particular, had a large presence in the area, and were the dominant tribe in the region. They had a complex culture, with a strong emphasis on spirituality and the importance of the land. They were also well-known for their skill in hunting and warfare.

Early Settlers

The first European settlers arrived in the area in the early 1800s, primarily from France and Germany. These settlers were drawn to the area by the promise of land, and the potential for economic opportunity. The settlers quickly established small towns and settlements, and began to farm the land. They also established trading posts, which allowed them to trade with the Native American tribes in the area. The settlers and the Native Americans had a complicated relationship, and often clashed over land and resources. Eventually, the settlers outnumbered the Native Americans, and the tribes were forced to move further west.

Statehood Movement

Causes of Statehood Movement

The push for statehood in South Dakota began in the late 1800s. At the time, the area was part of the Dakota Territory, which was created in 1861. The territory was split into North and South Dakota in 1889, and the two territories began to pursue separate statehood. The main cause of the statehood movement was the desire of the people living in the area to have their own state government. The population of the Dakota Territory was growing rapidly, and the people wanted to have their own representation in Congress. Additionally, the people of the Dakota Territory wanted to have their own state laws and regulations, rather than having to abide by the laws of the federal government.

The economic development of the area was also a factor in the statehood movement. The Dakota Territory was rich in natural resources, and the people wanted to be able to control their own economic development. The people of the Dakota Territory wanted to be able to create their own economic policies and regulations, as well as to have access to the resources of the federal government.

The people of the Dakota Territory also wanted to be able to participate in the national political process. At the time, the Dakota Territory was not represented in Congress, and the people wanted to be able to have a voice in the national political arena. They wanted to be able to elect their own representatives to Congress, and to have a say in the laws and regulations that were passed by the federal government.

Political Support for Statehood

The statehood movement in South Dakota was supported by both political parties. The Republican Party was in favor of statehood, as they believed it would help to strengthen the Republican Party in the area. The Democrats were also in favor of statehood, as they believed it would help to increase their political power in the area.

The statehood movement was also supported by the business community in the area. Business leaders saw the potential for economic growth in the area, and they wanted to be able to take advantage of the resources of the federal government. Additionally, they wanted to be able to control their own economic policies and regulations.

The statehood movement was also supported by the Native American tribes in the area. The tribes wanted to be able to have their own representation in the state government, and they wanted to be able to have a say in the laws and regulations that were passed by the state government.

The statehood movement was also supported by the religious community in the area. The religious leaders saw the potential for religious freedom in the area, and they wanted to be able to have their own religious laws and regulations. Additionally, they wanted to be able to have their own representation in the state government.

Finally, the statehood movement was supported by the general public in the area. The people of the Dakota Territory wanted to be able to have their own state government, and they wanted to be able to have a say in the laws and regulations that were passed by the state government.

Admission to the Union

South Dakota Enabling Act

The South Dakota Enabling Act was an act of Congress that enabled the people of the Dakota Territory to form a state government. The act was passed on February 22, 1889, and was signed into law by President Benjamin Harrison. The act provided for the election of delegates to a constitutional convention, which was held in Sioux Falls in July 1889. The delegates drafted a constitution, which was then submitted to Congress for approval. The enabling act also provided for the election of a governor and other state officers, and the election of representatives to Congress.

Ratification of the Constitution

After the South Dakota Enabling Act was passed, the people of the Dakota Territory voted in favor of the proposed constitution. On November 2, 1889, the constitution was officially ratified by the people of the Dakota Territory. The constitution was then sent to Congress for approval. On November 2, 1889, Congress passed a joint resolution admitting South Dakota to the Union. President Benjamin Harrison signed the resolution into law on November 2, 1889, officially making South Dakota the 40th state in the United States.

The admission of South Dakota to the Union was a momentous occasion for the people of the Dakota Territory. After decades of lobbying for statehood, the people of the Dakota Territory finally achieved their goal. South Dakota was the first state to be admitted to the Union after the Civil War, and it was the first state to be admitted with a constitution that provided for women's suffrage. The admission of South Dakota to the Union was a major milestone in the history of the United States.

Post-Statehood

Economic Development

After South Dakota became a state in 1889, it experienced a period of economic growth. The Homestead Act of 1862 had opened the region up to settlers, and the railroad had connected the state to the rest of the nation. The state’s economy was largely based on agriculture, and by the early 20th century, South Dakota had become one of the leading wheat-producing states in the nation. The state also experienced a boom in the mining industry, with gold, silver, and other minerals being mined in the Black Hills. The state also benefited from the growth of the railroad industry, as well as the development of the tourism industry in the Black Hills. The state also saw a growth in manufacturing, with the production of food products, clothing, and furniture becoming increasingly important. The state’s economy was further bolstered by the development of the banking and finance industry, with the state becoming a major center for banking and financial services.

Political and Social Changes

The statehood of South Dakota also brought about significant political and social changes. The state adopted a new constitution in 1889, which provided for the election of a governor, a legislature, and other state officials. The state also adopted a system of public education, which provided for the establishment of public schools and universities. The state also saw the growth of political parties, with the Republican and Democratic parties becoming the dominant political forces in the state. The state also experienced a period of social reform, with the passage of laws that outlawed discrimination and provided for the protection of civil rights. The state also saw the growth of labor unions, which provided workers with better wages and working conditions. The state also saw the growth of the women’s suffrage movement, which led to the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote.