The capital of South Dakota, the city of Pierre was named after the fur trader Pierre Chouteau, Jr. It was made the temporary state capital in 1889 when South Dakota joined the Union. It was made the permanent capital in elections of 1890 and 1904.

Places of interest

The State Capitol and its dome, built between 1905 and 1910, are the central points of the city landscape. The Capitol Lake lies to the east. On the lakeshore is the Flaming Fountain Memorial, built to honor people who have fought in wars. Near the Capitol is the Cultural Heritage Center. This building contains a museum displaying a lead plate stating that the area was claimed for France on March 30, 1743. The plate was found in 1913 on a hill near Fort Pierre. Other notable buildings include the governor's mansion and the South Dakota Discovery Center and Aquarium.

Pierre has many parks. The Farm Island State Recreation Area is a 1,184-acre (479-hectare) island in Lake Sharpe. Also nearby are the rodeo grounds, where a rodeo is held every year.

Economy

Pierre is a shipping and trading center. The livestock industry is a chief source of income. Growing corn, wheat, and sunflowers is also important. Most people, however, work in state and federal offices. The region's lakes also make tourism a large part of the economy.

History

The Arikara Indians lived in the Pierre area when explorers and settlers arrived. The capital of the Arikara nation was located on the site of the city. Pierre was founded in 1880 as the western end of the Chicago and North Western Railway. It was named a city in 1883. Pierre developed because it was an important stop on the mining industry's railroad as well as a trade center for a large area. Population (2000 census), 13,876.