Pierre, South Dakota Pierre, South Dakota Pierre (; Lakota: "čhúŋkaške", "fort") is the state capital of the U.S. state of South Dakota, and the county seat of Hughes County. The population was 13,646 at the 2010 census, making it the second-least populous state capital in the United States after Montpelier, Vermont, and the eighth-most populous city in South Dakota. Founded in 1880 on the east bank of the Missouri River opposite Fort Pierre, Pierre has been the state capital since South Dakota gained statehood on November 2, 1889. It was challenged by Huron for the capital and won because of its location in
South Dakota State University national media coverage. The highest seed they have ever received in the NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship is #7 in 2009. The Jackrabbits have appeared in the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs seven times with an overall record of 6-7. The main rivalry is with North Dakota State University. The Dakota Marker is the trophy awarded to the winner of the annual college football game played between the two. The trophy is a replica of one of many stone boundary markers that can be found along the border between the states of South Dakota and North Dakota. South Dakota