1. On January 31, 1890, the South Dakota state constitution was adopted. This document established the framework for the state government and protected individual rights such as free speech and freedom of religion.

2. In 1981, the infamous "Blizzard of '81" hit South Dakota on January 31. This massive snowstorm brought up to 30 inches of snow in some areas and caused widespread power outages and transportation disruptions.

3. On January 31, 1947, the University of South Dakota Coyotes basketball team set a record for the highest-scoring game in school history when they defeated Huron College 103-56.

4. The town of Oacoma, South Dakota was officially incorporated on January 31, 1956. Located on the banks of the Missouri River, Oacoma is home to several tourist attractions including the Chamberlain/Oacoma bridge and the Akta Lakota Museum.

5. South Dakota Governor M. Michael Rounds announced on January 31, 2007, that the state had reached a settlement with tobacco companies over health-care costs related to smoking. The settlement provided $156 million to the state to cover past and future tobacco-related health expenses.