List of South Dakota state symbols Facts for Kids

Location of the state of South Dakota in the United States of America

Every U.S. state has special symbols that represent its history, nature, and culture. These symbols help tell the story of the state and what makes it unique. South Dakota, known for its beautiful landscapes and famous landmarks, has chosen several official symbols.

This article explores the official state symbols of South Dakota, from its flag and motto to its animals, plants, and even its official dessert!

State Insignia: Symbols of Identity

State insignia are like official badges that represent South Dakota's government and its people. They include things like the state flag, seal, motto, and nickname.

Type	Symbol	Year
Flag	Flag of the State of South Dakota	1992
Seal	Great Seal of the State of South Dakota	1885
Motto	Under God, the people rule
Nickname	The Mount Rushmore State
Slogan	Great Faces. Great Places.	1990

The South Dakota Flag

South Dakota's flag features the state seal in the center, surrounded by a ring of gold. The words "South Dakota" and "The Mount Rushmore State" are written around the seal. It was officially adopted in 1992.

The Great Seal of South Dakota

The state seal shows a steamboat on a river, hills, a farmer plowing, and cattle grazing. These images represent the state's agriculture, industry, and transportation. The seal also includes the state motto. It was adopted in 1885, even before South Dakota became a state.

State Motto and Nickname

South Dakota's motto, "Under God, the people rule," shows the importance of both faith and democracy to the state's citizens. The nickname, "The Mount Rushmore State," highlights one of the most famous landmarks in the United States, Mount Rushmore, which is located in South Dakota.

State Slogan

The slogan "Great Faces. Great Places." is used to promote tourism in South Dakota. "Great Faces" refers to the famous faces carved into Mount Rushmore, while "Great Places" refers to the many beautiful natural and historical sites across the state.

Official Species: Nature's Representatives

States often choose official animals, plants, and other living things that are common or special to their region. These symbols celebrate the natural beauty and wildlife of South Dakota.

Type	Symbol	Year
Bird	Ring-necked pheasant Phasianus colchicus	1943
Flower	American pasque flower Pulsatilla vulgaris	1903
Tree	Black Hills spruce Picea glauca var. densata	1947
Animal	Coyote Canis latrans	1949
Fish	Walleye Sander vitreus vitreus	1982
Insect	Western honey bee Apis mellifera	1978
Grass	Western wheat grass	1970
Fossil	Triceratops	1988

State Bird: Ring-necked Pheasant

The Ring-necked pheasant was chosen as the state bird in 1943. These colorful birds are not native to South Dakota but were introduced from Asia. They have become very common and are popular for hunting in the state.

State Flower: American Pasque Flower

The American pasque flower was adopted as the state flower in 1903. This beautiful purple flower is one of the first to bloom in the spring, often even before the snow has completely melted. It symbolizes new beginnings.

State Tree: Black Hills Spruce

The Black Hills spruce became the state tree in 1947. This evergreen tree is a type of white spruce that grows naturally in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It's known for its strong wood and beautiful appearance.

State Animal: Coyote

The coyote was named the state animal in 1949. Coyotes are wild dogs that are very adaptable and can be found across South Dakota's diverse landscapes. They are known for their distinctive howls.

State Fish: Walleye

The walleye became the state fish in 1982. This popular freshwater fish is found in many of South Dakota's lakes and rivers. It's a favorite among anglers because of its delicious taste.

State Insect: Western Honey Bee

The Western honey bee was chosen as the state insect in 1978. These bees are vital for pollinating crops and producing honey. They play a huge role in agriculture across South Dakota.

State Grass: Western Wheat Grass

Western wheat grass was adopted as the state grass in 1970. This tough, native grass is very important for grazing livestock and preventing soil erosion on the state's prairies.

State Fossil: Triceratops

The Triceratops was named the state fossil in 1988. This famous horned dinosaur roamed the area that is now South Dakota millions of years ago. Many Triceratops fossils have been found in the state, especially in the Badlands.

Geological Symbols: Rocks, Minerals, and Soil

South Dakota's landscape is rich with unique rocks, minerals, and soil. These symbols highlight the state's geological wonders and natural resources.

Type	Symbol	Year
Mineral:	Rose quartz	1966
Gemstone	Fairburn agate	1966
Soil	Houdek loam	1990

State Mineral: Rose Quartz

Rose quartz was chosen as the state mineral in 1966. This beautiful pink mineral is found in the Black Hills and is often used in jewelry and decorative items.

State Gemstone: Fairburn Agate

The Fairburn agate became the state gemstone in 1966. These unique, colorful stones are found near Fairburn, South Dakota, and are prized by collectors for their intricate patterns.

State Soil: Houdek Loam

Houdek loam was designated the state soil in 1990. This type of soil is very fertile and important for agriculture in South Dakota, especially for growing crops like corn and wheat.

Cultural Symbols: Traditions and Tastes

South Dakota also has symbols that represent its culture, traditions, and even its favorite foods and activities.

Type	Symbol	Year
Drink	Milk	1986
Sport	Rodeo	2003
Dessert	Kuchen	2000
Song	"Hail, South Dakota!"	1943
Bread	Fry bread	2005
Jewelry	Black Hills gold	1988

State Drink: Milk

Milk was named the official state drink in 1986. This highlights the importance of dairy farming to South Dakota's economy and its role in healthy diets.

State Sport: Rodeo

Rodeo became the official state sport in 2003. Rodeos are a big part of South Dakota's cowboy heritage and are popular events across the state, showcasing skills like bull riding and barrel racing.

State Dessert: Kuchen

Kuchen was adopted as the state dessert in 2000. This delicious German-Russian pastry, often made with fruit or custard, reflects the heritage of many South Dakotans.

State Song: "Hail, South Dakota!"

"Hail, South Dakota!" was chosen as the state song in 1943. It's a patriotic song that celebrates the beauty and spirit of the state.

State Bread: Fry Bread

Fry bread was named the state bread in 2005. This traditional bread is important in Native American culture and is a beloved food throughout South Dakota.

State Jewelry: Black Hills Gold

Black Hills gold was designated as the state jewelry in 1988. This unique jewelry is made with different shades of gold and often features designs inspired by nature, like leaves and grapes. It's a popular souvenir from the Black Hills region.

List of South Dakota state symbols facts for kids

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