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Louis-Joseph and Francois Gaultier De La Verendrye buried a lead plate, now know as the Verendrye plate, at the site of what would become Ft. Pierre. They become the first white men to leave proof of their presence in South Dakota.
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The Sioux war with the Arikara comes to an end about 1794, with the Sioux driving the Arikara
out of central South Dakota. Click here to view a video on the Original Inhabitants of South Dakota. -
The United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from the French for $23,213,568. Louisiana Purchase
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Explores Lewis and Clark stay in Elk Point beginning their exploration of what would be come South Dakota. Student Lewis and Clark video.
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The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851 was signed between United States treaty commissioners and representatives of the Sioux, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Crow, Shoshone, Assiniboine, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara nations. The U.S. government promised control of the Great Plains which was the bulk of Native American territory, for "as long as the river flows and the eagle flies".
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Dakota Territory was established and William Jayne was appointed governor.
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South Dakota joined the Union on Nov. 2, 1889. South Dakota was the 40th state.
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During the Battle at Wounded Knee Creek 178 Miniconjou Sioux and Hunkpapa Sioux were killed by members of the U.S. 7th Calvary. The 7th lost 25 men. Wounded Knee Video
