South Dakota South Dakota South Dakota () is a U.S. state in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is named after the Lakota and Dakota Sioux Native American tribes, who compose a large portion of the population and historically dominated the territory. South Dakota is the seventeenth largest by area, but the fifth smallest by population and the 5th least densely populated of the 50 United States. As the southern part of the former Dakota Territory, South Dakota became a state on November 2, 1889, simultaneously with North Dakota. Pierre is the state capital and Sioux Falls, with a population
Hail, South Dakota! Hail, South Dakota! "Hail! South Dakota!" (1943) is the official state song of South Dakota, selected by popular vote. It was written and composed by DeeCort Hammitt (1893-1970). Hail! South Dakota! a great state of the land;<br> Health, wealth and beauty, that's what makes her grand;<br> She has her Black Hills, and mines with gold so rare,<br> And with her scenery, no other state can compare.<br> <br> Come where the sun shines, and where life's worth your while;<br> You won't be here long, till you'll wear a smile;<br> No state's so healthy, and no folk quite so true.<br> To South