1. The famous South Dakota politician and governor, George S. Mickelson, was born on January 17, 1941. He served as the state's governor from 1987 until his tragic death in a plane crash in 1993.

2. On January 17, 1876, the famous and controversial American Indian Wars began with the Battle of Rosebud Creek in Montana. This conflict would have a profound impact on South Dakota history, particularly in the Black Hills region.

3. On January 17, 1916, the South Dakota State Capitol building was officially dedicated. The building, designed by architect Charles E. Bell, is famous for its stunning Art Deco features and has become an iconic symbol of the state.

4. In 1986, South Dakota made headlines when a group of anti-nuclear activists were arrested for breaking into the Minuteman II missile silo in the western part of the state. The activists were protesting the arms race and the presence of nuclear weapons in America's heartland.

5. Finally, on January 17, 1984, the world-famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This iconic landmark attracts millions of visitors from around the world every year, and is a testament to the natural beauty and rich history of the South Dakota region.