Hughes County, South Dakota Hughes County, South Dakota Hughes County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Dakota. As of the 2010 census, the population was 17,022, making it the least populous capital county in the nation, and the twelfth-most populous county in South Dakota. Its county seat is Pierre, the state capital. The county was created in 1873 and organized in 1880. It was named for Alexander Hughes, a legislator. Hughes County is part of the Pierre, SD Micropolitan Statistical Area. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and
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