The South Dakota State Capitol

South Dakota Heritage Store at the Capitol 500 E Capitol Avenue Pierre, SD 57501 (605) 773-3221 sdhsf.org

Volume four in the South Dakota Historical Society Press Historical Preservation Series

" The South Dakota State Capitol combines factual information with a casual, no-nonsense approach to the state's history, illustrated by spectacular photographs that pull the reader into a vivid record of the Northern Plains."— Great Plains Quarterly

" The South Dakota State Capitol is a core addition to all South Dakota historical society, community, and school library reference collections, and would serve as a model template for similar historical studies of other state capitols as well."— Midwest Book Review

Standing firmly in the middle of South Dakota, on the banks of the Missouri River, Pierre seems the logical choice for the capital of the state. Upon the state’s admission to the Union in 1889, however, not everyone agreed. At least thirteen towns vied for the opportunity to become the new state’s capital, but after protracted campaigns, dubious get-out-the-vote drives, and political “battles” (some of which bordered on violence), Pierre finally established itself as the capital city twenty years later.

In The South Dakota State Capitol , Marshall Damgaard brings together research from many sources to provide new insight into the first hundred years of the granite building that dominates almost every view of Pierre. Damgaard takes the reader from those heady early days to modern times, detailing the changes the building has undergone, including the painting over of murals on walls and debates about furniture and fittings.

More than 130 historical and contemporary photographs depict the progression of the capitol from idea to reality and chronicle its later restoration to its present-day splendor. A comprehensive tour guide allows readers and visitors to meander through the building, exploring the high quality workmanship and architecture.

"This elegantly illustrated chronicle of the South Dakota State Capitol will hold the attention of readers of all ages and backgrounds. Schools and libraries should make it available for all to enjoy."— Great Plains Quarterly

"Damgaard has done a great service in producing this information-filled book that illustrates how the South Dakota capitol has changed over the decades."— South Dakota History

Marshall Damgaard served for many years in the state's political arena, including periods as both an aide and chief of staff to Governor William Janklow. He was born and raised in South Dakota.