Pierre, SD

Pierre is the capital of South Dakota and, with a population of less than 14,000, is one of the least populous capitals in the United States

Fast Facts

1. Country: United States
2. State: South Dakota
3. County: Hughes
4. Mayor: Dennis Eisnach
5. Population: 14,032 (2007)¹
6. Founded: 1880
7. Area code: 605
8. Zip code: 57501
9. Airport code: PWS
10. Time zone: CST

History

After South Dakota became a U.S. state in 1889, Pierre was named its capital after some opposition from some state residents, who thought the town of Mitchell would be better suited for it.

In 1952, a Missouri River flood nearly destroyed Pierre, prompting the construction of the Oahe Dam nearby. The dam generates more than 2 million kilowatts of electricity a year, and is one of the largest in the world. The dam led to the creation of Lake Oahe, which is a popular fishing destination.

Despite being a rather quiet tourist town, Pierre had the country's highest suicide rate in the 1990s.

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