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Pierre in Hughes County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
 

South Dakota State Capitol

 
 
South Dakota State Capitol Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 6, 2011
1. South Dakota State Capitol Marker
Inscription. Choosing South Dakota's capital did not come easily. Elections in 1889, 1890, and 1904 put the capital location to a vote of the people. Pierre won all three elections. Once the site was established, a grand capitol went up. The capitol symbolized prosperity and stability for the young state.

South Dakota's capitol is a fine example of Renaissance Revival architecture. Exterior features include a copper dome and graceful Corinthian columns. A grand marble staircase, faux marble columns, colorful stained glass ceilings, and mosaic tile floors grace the interior.

In time for the state centennial in 1989, the capitol was restored to its original 1910 splendor. The historic colors, character, and luster of the building were handsomely revived. Truly the people's statehouse, the capitol is open for visitors. Please enjoy the beautiful building and grounds.

Capitol Lake was built in 1913. The 92-degree water comes from a natural artesian well. The lake is the site of South Dakota's service memorials to veterans, law enforcement officers, and firefighters. The warm water never freezes, making it home to thousands of geese and other waterfowl during the winter.

Left Photo
The city of Pierre is strongly associated with the capitol. The dome served as a backdrop for city life as shown in this 1929 photo of the Capital City Cowboys.

Right

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Geese and other waterfowl crowd the warm waters of Capitol Lake during the winter months.
 
Erected by South Dakota State Historical Society.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
 
Location. 44° 21.993′ N, 100° 20.817′ W. Marker is in Pierre, South Dakota, in Hughes County. Marker is on E. Capitol Ave., on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pierre SD 57501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dedicated to You, A Free Citizen in a Free Land (within shouting distance of this marker); Soldiers' & Sailors' World War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Fighting Stallions Memorial (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Revolutionary War Patriots (about 700 feet away); Combat Wounded Veterans (about 800 feet away); Flaming Fountain Memorial (about 800 feet away); South Dakota World War II Veterans Memorial (about 800 feet away); Hughes County Courthouse / Site of First Library in Pierre (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pierre.
 
South Dakota State Capitol image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 6, 2011
2. South Dakota State Capitol
South Dakota State Capitol image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 6, 2011
3. South Dakota State Capitol
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 852 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on July 18, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.

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Mar. 29, 2024