Historical Events tagged with "south dakota"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Learjet 35 Crash Claims Six Lives
A tragic aviation incident occurred when a Learjet 35 crashed in Mina, near Aberdeen, South Dakota, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board. Among the deceased were renowned PGA golfer Payne Stewart and esteemed golf course designer Bruce Borland. The flight had departed from Orlando, Florida, and was headed for Texas. The plane lost cabin pressure and went off course, leading to its eventual crash in a rural area. The loss of both Stewart and Borland shocked the sports and design communities alike.
Continue ReadingDiscovery of Sue, the T. rex Skeleton
In South Dakota, paleontologist Sue Hendrickson discovered a remarkably preserved Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, now named 'Sue'. The skeleton, measuring more than 40 feet long and over 13 feet tall at the hips, is hailed as the largest and most complete T. rex ever found. Sue's find revolutionized the understanding of the species' biology and behavior, providing invaluable insights into the life of one of the most iconic dinosaurs.
Continue ReadingSupreme Court Limits Sioux Tribe's Jurisdiction
In a landmark ruling, the US Supreme Court determined that congressional legislation reducing the Rosebud Sioux Tribe's reservation size effectively stripped the tribe of its jurisdiction over the area. This decision was a culmination of longstanding disputes regarding the sovereignty of Native American tribes and their territory, specifically concerning legislative actions that affected their rights and governance.
Continue ReadingEnd of Wounded Knee Standoff
A 71-day confrontation transpired at Wounded Knee, South Dakota, where members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) occupied the Pine Ridge Reservation. The standoff ignited a nationwide discussion on Native American rights and grievances against federal policies. Following negotiations, the militants ultimately surrendered, signaling a pivotal moment in Indigenous activism.
Continue ReadingAIM Occupies Wounded Knee in Protest
In a significant act of protest, members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) seized control of the Pine Ridge Reservation town of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, demanding the federal government address broken treaties and issues of civil rights for Native Americans. The occupation commenced on February 27 and involved a standoff with federal authorities, drawing national attention to the plight of Indigenous peoples and their struggles against systemic injustices. The occupation lasted nearly 71 days, ending in May of the same year, making it one of the most important actions taken by AIM.
Continue ReadingBlack Hills Dam Flood Devastates Communities
Severe rainfall caused a dam in the Black Hills of South Dakota to burst, unleashing a catastrophic flood that resulted in the loss of 238 lives and inflicted $160 million in damage. The incident marked one of the deadliest floods in U.S. history, drastically affecting local communities along the Canyon Lake Dam.
Continue ReadingWidest Tornado Ever Documented
In a groundbreaking study, the U.S. Weather Bureau published a paper detailing a tornado that struck Timber Lake, South Dakota. This tornado was recorded to have a remarkable width of 4 miles (6.4 km), marking it as the widest tornado ever documented in history. Meteorologists and climatologists reviewed this event to better understand tornado formation and behavior. The findings set a precedent for future tornado research and monitoring across the United States.
Continue ReadingCompletion of Mount Rushmore Monument
The iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial was completed after 14 years of dedicated labor. Sculpted by Gutzon Borglum and his team, the monument features the faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the project began in 1927 with the aim of attracting tourism and honoring the nation's history. Despite financial difficulties and challenges posed by the granite rock, the final completion on this day marked a significant achievement in American culture and artistry.
Continue ReadingGutzon Borglum starts Mount Rushmore sculpture
Gutzon Borglum, a renowned American sculptor, began his monumental project of sculpting the faces of four U.S. presidents into the granite of the Black Hills in South Dakota. The project aimed to create a lasting tribute to the nation’s history and ideals, selecting George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt for their significant contributions. Borglum's vision and ambition for this iconic American landmark set the stage for what would become a pivotal piece of cultural heritage, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
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