1. In 1889, South Dakota was officially admitted as the 40th state in the United States. November 12 marks the anniversary of this historic event.

2. The Crazy Horse Memorial, a massive mountain carving of the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse, was dedicated on November 12, 1998. The ongoing project, which began in 1948, is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota and is intended to honor the culture and heritage of the Lakota people.

3. On November 12, 1904, the first train arrived in the town of Hot Springs, South Dakota, marking the completion of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad line. The town has since become known for its natural hot springs and historic bathhouses.

4. In 1941, the Oahe Dam was authorized by Congress to be built on the Missouri River in South Dakota. The dam, which would become one of the largest earthen dams in the world, was completed in 1962 and is now a major source of hydroelectric power for the region.

5. The South Dakota State Capitol building, located in Pierre, was completed on November 12, 1910. The building, which features a distinctive copper dome, houses the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and other state officials, as well as the South Dakota Legislature.