1. In 1887, the South Dakota Agricultural College (now South Dakota State University) was established in Brookings. It was the state's first public land-grant university.

2. On February 7, 1895, the South Dakota State Legislature created the State Historical Society. The organization is responsible for preserving and promoting the history of South Dakota.

3. In 1964, astronaut Joe Engle visited South Dakota and spoke to students at several schools about his experiences as a pilot and astronaut. Engle, who was born in Kansas but grew up in South Dakota, flew in the X-15 rocket plane and later piloted the Space Shuttle.

4. On February 7, 2004, the Pierre Regional Airport hosted an aviation expo that featured vintage and modern aircraft. The event also included flight demonstrations, aircraft displays, and a flight simulator for visitors to try.

5. In 2010, state legislators introduced a bill to make the Black Hills spruce the official state Christmas tree. The bill was eventually passed and the Black Hills spruce became an official symbol of South Dakota on February 7, 2011.