Flag History
From 1909 until 1963, this flag had two sides - the state seal on one and a large golden sun with lettering around it on the reverse. But when it was decided to keep just one, the designs were combined. The original design was by Senator Ernest May and Doane Robinson, secretary of the State Historical Society. The re-design was done by Will Robinson, Doane Robinson's son. The seal shows a farmer and a rancher, depicting the kind of work of the people of South Dakota. The trees represent the lumber industry, and the river and steamboat, transportation and trade. The gold band is a reminder of the state's nickname.
Flag Adopted: 1963
State Nickname: The Sunshine State or the Coyote State
State Motto: Under God the people rule
Area: 77,116 square miles
Approximate Population: 700,000
Capital: Pierre
Largest City: Sioux Falls
Major Products: gold, silver, oats, rye, sunflowers, seed
State Bird: Chinese Ringneck Pheasant
State Tree: Black Hills Spruce
State Animal: Coyote
