14 Quirky Facts About South Dakota That Sound Made Up, But Are 100% Accurate
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Annie
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South Dakota is an incredible state at the center of so many parts of American history, but did you know that we, too, have a weird side? Take, for instance, these 14 fun facts about South Dakota that sound made up but are completely real:
1. A natural gas-infused artesian well feeds the Flaming Fountain on South Dakota State Capitol Lake.
Have you ever wondered what gives the Flaming Fountain its distinct hue? Now you know!
2. Toto, You're not in Kansas anymore because the "real" Dorothy was actually from Aberdeen!
One of the world's most popular stories may start in the Sunflower State, but author L. Frank Baum and his niece - who inspired Dorothy - hailed from Mount Rushmore State.
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3. Speaking of the Sunflower State, South Dakota produces more sunflowers than Kansas.
We're sorry to keep stepping on your toes, Kansas...
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4. The completion of Mount Rushmore was halted because of a lack of funds from WWII.
Did you know that Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln were supposed to have giant carved heads AND torsos?
5. South Dakota was once billed as America's divorce capital.
Overall, SoDak is a reasonably wholesome place, but during the early 20th century, it was one of the only states to grant a divorce for things other than adultery. South Dakota instituted 6,000 divorces, all of which were to couples who lived in the state for at least three months.
6. South Dakota's Great Depression started well before the rest of the country.
The end of the 19th century wasn't kind to the Mount Rushmore State, as the Great Dakota Bust (1889-1897) saw devastating drought conditions and more people relocating out of the newly-founded state.
7. SoDak is home to the world's ONLY corn palace.
There is no other corn palace in the world! We are the only ones to have ever made a palace out of corn! It's cool, right?!
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8. If you think that's - er, cool - we also host an annual mashed potato wrestling contest (at Potato Days in Clark).
...because why not?
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9. South Dakota is the 17th largest state in terms of size, yet the 5th least populated.
With 900,000 residents, SoDak comes in behind Wyoming, Vermont, Alaska, and North Dakota.
10. With a population of less than 14,000, Pierre is America's second smallest capital city.
The smallest capital city in America is Montpelier, Vermont, with a population of 8,002.
11. There are four cows for every person in South Dakota.
We like it that way!
12. The highest recorded temperature in South Dakota was a whopping 120°F...
The record was set on July 15, 2006, in Usta.
13. ...And the lowest was a "balmy" -58°F.
Remind us to never visit McIntosh in the winter.
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14. Finally, in South Dakota, it is illegal to fall asleep in a cheese factory, use fireworks to protect your sunflower crop, and/or ride your horse into a fountain unless it is wearing pants.
Hey, we don't make the rules, okay?
For even more weird but true SoDak facts, check out the crazy things that are illegal in South Dakota. And don’t forget to wear your state pride on your sleeve with this collection of apparel from Wear Your Roots!
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