Introduction
South Dakota is an important state in the United States owing to its historical roots that dates to the time of Napoleon Bonaparte. In addition, South Dakota supports activities that are important in the economy of the United States, such as agriculture. The aim of this research paper is to explore the history of South Dakota, its geographical features and location, important industries located in the state, and the education sector as well. Accordingly, the paper will address the various generations that have occupied the state, and how the United States acquired it from Napoleon Bonaparte. By exploring the geography of South Dakota, the neighbouring states will be provided, and the various geographical features within the state. The different industries in South Dakota how they affect the economy of the state is another area that the research paper will attempt to address. Finally, this research paper shall examine the status of the education sector in South Dakota.
History of South Dakota
The first inhabitants of the present day South Dakota were the Paleolithic hunter-gathers at about 500 BC. The Mound Builders, a group of semi-nomadic people, occupied the region from 500 AD to 800 AD. The indigenous inhabitants began contacts with the Europeans in 1743, after the Laverendrye brothers (Hasselstrom 43) had explored the area. In early 19th century, the Sioux already replaced the Arikara, who had occupied this region since the Sioux (Schell 4). The Louisiana territory, hitherto owned by Napoleon Bonaparte, became a part of the United States when the latter bought it. The establishment of a trading post for fur took place in 1817 in what is today Fort Pierre. The U. S. Army later on purchased the fort in 1855; one year later abandoned it in favor of another fort located in the south, Fort Randall. By now, many American families were settling in South Dakota. The singing of the 1858 treaty by Yankton Sioux resulted in the United States acquiring a large portion of what is today South Dakota.
The establishment of the Dakota Territory by the U. S. government occurred in 1861, and this led to increased settlement of Americans in this territory. Due to the burgeoning population in the region, it became necessary to divide in half the Dakota Territory. Accordingly, in February 1889, the ratification of the Enabling Act of 1899 occurred. This bill sought the granting of statehood to both South and North Dakota. Several climatic and economic conditions in the 1930s affected South Dakota, and a coinciding of these events with the Great Depression worsened the situation. As a result, from 1930 to 1940, the population in this territory reduced by 7 %. However, by the start of the Second World War, the state was again enjoying economic stability. Over the last few decades, the economy of South Dakota has diversified, from one dependent mainly on agriculture. Today, the service industry and tourism are the leading sectors of the South Dakota economy.
Geography of south Dakota
Geographically, South Dakota occupies the north-central region of the United States. According to the U. S. Census Bureau, South Dakota occupies the Midwest part of the country (7). This is despite the fact that the Great Plains region is a part of the sate as well. Moreover, the economy, culture as well as the geography of the western part of South Dakota resembles THE West, as opposed to the Midwest (United States Census Bureau 5). The total land area of South Dakota is 77,116 sq. miles. Accordingly, it is the Union’s 17th largest state. The highest point in the state is Harney Peak, with its 7,242 ft. elevation. On the other hand, the Big Stone Lake shoreline forms the lowest point in South Dakota, with its 966 ft. elevation. North Dakota borders the state to the north, while Nebraska borders it to the south. On the other hand, Minnesota and Iowa borders South Dakota to the East, While Montana and Wyoming are its neighbours to the west. The longest and largest river in South Dakota is the Missouri River, but there are other major rivers in the states as well, and these include James, Cheyenne, White, and Big Sioux Rivers (“The Geology of South Dakota” 3). There are many natural lakes in Eastern South Dakota, many of which are the result of glaciation.
Industries in South Dakota economy
The service sector in South Dakota consists of industries in health care, finance, and retail. Other sectors of the service industry that have had a profound impact on the economy of South Dakota include the tourism and airline industries. For example, Ellsworth Air Force Base is amongst the largest employer in the service industry in the state. The economy of South Dakota is a beneficiary of the decision by the United States government to invest there. For that reason, government spending represents a 10 percent of the entire South Dakota’s gross state product (U. S. Census Bureau 6). Historically, South Dakota has relied on agriculture as a fundamental component of its economy, but this is no longer the case due to the rapid expansion of other sectors, and more so those related top service delivery.
Nonetheless, agricultural production remains a significant activity in the economy of the state, and more so amongst the population in the rural areas. Cattle, soybeans, corn, hogs, and wheat, are the agricultural products most valued in South Dakota. As a result, industries affiliated to the agricultural sector, such as ethanol production and meatpacking, impacts on South Dakota’s economy in a great way. It is important to note that South Dakota ranks as the sixth largest producer of ethanol ion the United States. Tourism is also fast emerging as an important sector in the state. A majority of the tourists travel to South Dakota with the intention of viewing the various attractions the state has to offer, many of which are located within the Black Hills region. For example, the region has both state and national parks, in addition to the momentous Deadwood Mount Rushmore.
Education system
The total enrolments for both primary and secondary schools stood at 136,872 in South Dakota, in 2006. Of this number, 120,278 were in public schools. The state has 703 public schools, distributed across 168 districts. It is important to note that in the United States, South Dakota has the highest per capita concentration of schools, in comparison with the other states (South Dakota Department of Education 6). The rate of graduation for students in high schools in the state is at 89.9 percent, while the ACT score averages at 21.8. This is a little better than 21.1, which is the national average. 84.6 percent of entire population of adults in South Dakota can at least boast of high school qualification. In addition, 21.5 percent of the adults in the state have an undergraduate degree, if not better.
The average salary that a teacher in a public school in South Dakota earns is $34,040. This is by far below the $47,674 computed as the national average, and is in fact the lowest salary scale for a teacher in a public school, in the whole of the United States. There are six public universities in South Dakota, all of which are under the management of South Dakota Board of Regents. The state’s largest university is SDSU (South Dakota State University), in Brookings. The university has an enrolment of approximately 11,377 students. On the other hand, the oldest university in the state is the Vermilion-based USD (University of South Dakota). This university is the institution of higher learning in the state that has medical and law schools. There are also a number of private universities in South Dakota, but Augustan College, based in Sioux Falls, is the largest.
Conclusion
The Paleolithic hunter-gathers were the first inhabitants of the present-day South Dakota. Subsequent inhabitants of the region include the Mould Builders, the Sioux and the Arikarara. The ratification of the Enabling Act of 1899 set the grounds for the division of the Dakota region into south and north. Several important geographical features characterize South Dakota, such as the Missouri river, and the Harney Peak. Historically, South Dakota has relied on agriculture as a backbone of its economy. Accordingly, the hogs and corn are amongst the most popular agriculture products. However, the service industry is fast emerging as a leading economic player in the state, especially tourism and the airline industries. These industries significantly influence the economic status of South Dakota.
Work cited
Hasselstrom, Linda. Roadside History of South Dakota. Missoula, MT: Mountain Press, 1994.
Schell, Herbert. History of South Dakota. Pierre, SD: South Dakota State Historical Society Press, 2004.
South Dakota Department of education. 2007. Web.
“The Geology of South Dakota”. Northern State University. 2008. Web.
U. S. Census Bureau. Statistics of U. S. Businesses: South Dakota – All industries. 2003. Web.
United States Census Bureau. Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for the United States, Regions, States, and Puerto Rico. 2008. Web.