South Dakota The Mount Rushmore State By Carson Preston

The Map

The South Dakota flag An up-close look of the seal on the South Dakota flag.

State Motto “Under God, the People Rule”

Hail! South Dakota! Written and Composed by DeeCort Hammitt Hail! South Dakota, A great state of the land, Health, wealth and beauty, That's what makes her grand; She has her Black Hills, And mines with gold so rare, And with her scenery, No other state can compare. Come where the sun shines, And where life's worth your while, You won't be here long, 'Till you'll wear a smile; No state's so healthy, And no folk quite so true, To South Dakota. We welcome you. Hail! South Dakota, The state we love the best, Land of our fathers, Builders of the west; Home of the Badlands, and Rushmore's ageless shrine, Black Hills and prairies, Farmland and Sunshine. Hills, farms and prairies, Blessed with bright Sunshine.

This is the current license plate for South Dakota As you can see, fishing is a popular pastime in this beautiful state!

Governor Mike Rounds Mike, the oldest of 11 children, was born in Huron, S.D., and is a lifelong resident of Pierre. He earned a Bachelors of Science degree in political science from South Dakota State University in Brookings and met his wife, Jean, of Lake Preston, while attending the university. The two were married in 1978 and have four children – Christopher and his wife, Lindsay, Brian and his wife, Kerry, Carrie and her husband, Justin, and John. Governor Rounds is an owner, with his shares in trust, of Fischer, Rounds & Associates, Inc., an insurance and real estate agency with offices in Pierre, Mitchell, Rapid City and Brandon. He has previously served as board president of the Oahe YMCA, vice president of the Home and School Association of St. Joseph School, president of the Pierre-Ft. Pierre Exchange Club and exalted ruler of the Pierre Elks Lodge. He is also a member of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church of Pierre, the Knights of Columbus, and Ducks Unlimited. The governor is a licensed pilot with multi-engine and instrument ratings. He enjoys playing racquetball with his buddies and hunting in his spare time with his sons and his lab, Brandy. In the summer, you’ll often find him and his family boating and camping on the Missouri River. Michael Rounds was sworn in as South Dakota’s 31st governor on January 7, He has been governor for 7 years. Mike Rounds is committed to working with South Dakotans to make the state a better place to live, work, and raise a family. He believes South Dakota's children are its most valuable resource and that every child in the state should receive a quality education.

Pierre, South Dakota The state capitol building at night time. Steamboat Park in Pierre, SD!

MAJOR INDUSTRIES Cattle farming is the major industry in South Dakota. South Dakota also has gold mining as well as food products, machinery, and wood products.

Universities The University of South Dakota South Dakota State University

Mount Rushmore The faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are sculpted into Mount Rushmore the world's greatest mountain carving. This is a major landmark for the state of South Dakota.

Badlands National Park Badlands National Park is another top spot for those visiting South Dakota. Millions of years of wind, water and erosion have created the chiseled spires, deep canyons and jagged buttes of Badlands National Park.

CORN PALACE World’s ONLY Corn Palace is located in South Dakota! The Corn Palace serves as a multi-use center for the community and region. The facility hosts stage shows, as well as sports events in its arena. The World's Only Corn Palace is an outstanding structure which stands as a tribute to the agricultural heritage of South Dakota.

South Dakota Great Faces! Great Places!