If you were born and raised in SoDak, you may think you know all there is to know about the Mount Rushmore State, including the Gutzons, Lewis & Clark’s explorations, and Custer’s Last Stand… but did you know that we have an official state soil? Or that we have the highest point east of the Rockies? Read on as we discover more of these things you never knew about South Dakota, but should:

1. Let us begin with the aforementioned: the state soil of South Dakota is houdek...
Flickr/txindoki
What; you didn't know that we had an official state soil? Me neither... but apparently it is houdek, which is comprised of glacial till and other decomposed organic matter.
2. ...and the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains is Black Elk (formerly Harney) Peak.
Flickr/blucolt
Elevation: 7,242 feet above sea level.
3. The endangered black-footed ferret are rescued and re-released in South Dakota.
Flickr/USFWS Mountain-Prairie
The ferrets, which are the most endangered mammal in North America, are re-released into the wild at the Sage Creek Wilderness.
4. Rodeo is the official state sport of South Dakota.
Flickr/blucolt
We don't need your professional baseball, football, or basketball, because we know what's up.
5. It is believed that the word Dakota is Sioux for "friend."
Flickr/Jerry and Pat Donaho
Have you ever noticed that South Dakotans are some of the nicest folks you've ever met? Coincidence? We don't think so.

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6. While South Dakota was named by the Sioux, the Black Hills were named by the Lakota.
Flickr/Patricia Nagele
The Lakota referred to the area as "Paha Sapa," which mean "hills that are black."
7. In addition to being nicknamed the Mount Rushmore State, South Dakota is called the Sunshine State, the Land of Plenty, AND the Coyote State.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
8. The only Corn Palace on earth is located right here in SD.
Flickr/Steve Walser
Even if there were others, the 2-floor Mitchell Corn Palace would still be the best!
9. South Dakota is the least populous state in America...
Flickr/m01229
With a population of 878,000, South Dakota sits at the bottom of the population charts along with North Dakota (755,000), Alaska (738,000), Vermont (623,000), and Wyoming (574,000).
10. ...and Pierre is the second least populous state capital.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Population: Just under 14,000. (It's beat only by Montpellier, which has a population of 8,000.)
11. Finally, Pierre is the only capital city that does not share any letters with its state.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Whoever took the time to figure that out has waaaaay too much time on their hands...

For even more interesting factoids, click on 12 Shocking Facts About South Dakota That Could Make You Want To Move.

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