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Pierre Sites
Pierre was founded in 1880 amid the turbulence of the Great The State Capitol
Dakota Boom, as gold prospectors and homesteaders flooded Completed in 1910, the Capitol is stunning with its dramatic
into the Dakota Territory. That same year, the railroad first murals, stained glass, elaborate tilework and collections of
crossed the Missouri River here, and the town grew along the sculpture & art. The Capitol building is open to visitors from
river’s east bank as both goods and people traversed the state. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
When South Dakota achieved statehood in 1889, Pierre, Saturday and Sunday. During Christmas at the Capitol hours are
situated at nearly the geographic center of the state, became 8 am – 10 p.m., Monday through Sunday. During the Legislative
its capital. This ensured the town’s survival even as drought and Session hours are 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
depression struck the region and turned the boom to bust. Guided tours are available for groups of 15 or more with 48
Pierre today is a small Midwestern city of about 14,000. The hour advanced reservation by calling 605.773.3688. 500 East
seat of Hughes County as well as the state capital, it is a friendly Capitol Ave., Pierre. www.sd.gov.
community whose tree-lined streets, historic downtown and lush
green parks give way to rolling hills and steep bluffs as the
county spreads east onto the state’s expansive plains.
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