1. South Dakota achieved statehood on November 2, 1889, and November 19 is the anniversary of the first session of the South Dakota Legislature held after statehood was achieved.
2. On November 19, 1890, the last major battle between the U.S. Army and Native American tribes, the Wounded Knee Massacre, took place in South Dakota. The U.S. Army killed approximately 300 Lakota Sioux, including women and children.
3. On November 19, 1928, the Crazy Horse Memorial was dedicated in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski began work on the memorial in 1948, and the project is ongoing today.
4. November 19, 1988, marks the day the Journey Museum opened in Rapid City, South Dakota. The museum tells the story of the Black Hills and its inhabitants, from the prehistoric times to modern day.
5. South Dakota celebrates Native American Day on the second Monday of October each year, but November is also recognized as Native American Heritage Month. The month of November was chosen to recognize the various Native American tribes and their contributions to American history and culture.