Pierre in Hughes County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Fighting Stallions Memorial
April 19, 1994
Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, April 2, 2021
1. Fighting Stallions Memorial
Fighting Stallions Memorial was constructed by the people of South Dakota as a lasting memorial to eight South Dakotans who perished in an airplane crash April 19, 1993. The state plane, N86SD, crashed due to propeller assembly failure in poor weather on a farm near Dubuque, Iowa. Five state employees, including the Governor, and three Sioux Falls corporate leaders were on an economic development mission to save the largest agricultural processing employer in South Dakota.
"Fighting Stallions" is enlarged in bronze from the 1935 mahogany carving by South Dakota sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski. The sculpture was selected because it symbolically represents South Dakota's struggle to overcome adversity, desire for achievement and courage to believe in the future. It is a tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
"But in the passing of a century also comes the passing of friends - people who shaped the state - people who shaped our lives. As we remember the personal pain of those losses, let each of us dedicate ourselves to replacing that loss with a commitment to make new friends in our quest to build abetter future."
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Governor George S. Mickelson
1990 State of the State Address
"Fighting Stallions"
© Korczak, Sculptor
Erected 1994 by People of South Dakota.
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Arts, Letters, Music • Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is April 19, 1993.
Location. 44° 21.96′ N, 100° 20.688′ W. Marker is in Pierre, South Dakota, in Hughes County. It is on East Capitol Avenue. Located on the grounds of the South Dakota State Capitol building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 599 E Capitol Ave, Pierre SD 57501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker and memorial is in East River. It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor, on the prairies, and on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: South Dakota World War II Veterans Memorial
Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, April 2, 2021
2. Fighting Stallions Memorial
Roger Hainje, President, Sioux Falls Development Foundation.
Roger's integrity and intelligence opened closed doors. His quick sense of humor entertained and inspired. His persevering efforts created immeasurable prosperity for so many. His efforts inspired the work that made Sioux Falls #1 in America. He was as refreshing and straightforward As the great South Dakota outdoors he loved.
Roger's integrity and intelligence opened closed doors. His quick sense of humor entertained and inspired. His persevering efforts created immeasurable prosperity for so many. His efforts inspired the work that made Sioux Falls #1 in America. He was as refreshing and straightforward As the great South Dakota outdoors he loved.
Also see . . . Capitol Tour - Fighting Stallions. (Submitted on September 21, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota.)
Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, April 2, 2021
3. Fighting Stallions Memorial
George S. Mickelson, 28th Governor of South Dakota.
South Dakota was just a century old
When a new leader emerged.
Eyes sparkling with vision,
He embraced life.
His smile created instant friendships.
His devotion to family insured
With boundless energy and genuine commission.
He challenged us to realize bigger dreams.
George Mickelson made a difference.
South Dakota was just a century old
When a new leader emerged.
Eyes sparkling with vision,
He embraced life.
His smile created instant friendships.
His devotion to family insured
With boundless energy and genuine commission.
He challenged us to realize bigger dreams.
George Mickelson made a difference.
Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, April 2, 2021
4. Fighting Stallions Memorial
Roland Dolly, Commissioner, Governor's office of Economic Development.
With half his journey of life complete
His honor, duty, and sage thoughtful tongue
Neither man nor muse can scarce repeat.
This glorious legacy of short life well done.
Ed I. Calhoon, M.D.
Faith - Character - Loyalty
With half his journey of life complete
His honor, duty, and sage thoughtful tongue
Neither man nor muse can scarce repeat.
This glorious legacy of short life well done.
Ed I. Calhoon, M.D.
Faith - Character - Loyalty
Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, April 2, 2021
5. Fighting Stallions Memorial
David H. Hanse, State Pilot of South Dakota.
His love for God, family and country and the thrill of flight created his quiet professionalism and inspiring humility. All who knew Dave saw an aura of bravery, respect, and honesty. In his eyes, there was always a smile for everyone and a wink for those he loved.
You have not lived until you've almost die. For those who fight for it life has a flavor the protected will never know.
His love for God, family and country and the thrill of flight created his quiet professionalism and inspiring humility. All who knew Dave saw an aura of bravery, respect, and honesty. In his eyes, there was always a smile for everyone and a wink for those he loved.
You have not lived until you've almost die. For those who fight for it life has a flavor the protected will never know.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 1,113 times since then and 162 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week April 19, 2026. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 8, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
