South Dakota State Capitol

September 3, 2021

500 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501

“The South Dakota State Capitol is the state capitol building of the U.S. state of South Dakota. Housing the South Dakota State Legislature, it is located in the state capitol of Pierre at 500 East Capitol Avenue. The building houses the offices of most state officials, including the Governor of South Dakota.” Wikipedia

Built between 1905 and 1910, the South Dakota Capitol is a stately building sitting atop a hill in Pierre. On this Friday afternoon of Labor Day weekend, the building was pretty quiet. After going through the security checkpoint and talking to the nice security guard, I walked past what I assumed were two state workers talking near the entrance and entered the original part of the building with a booklet for my self-guided tour. From this point forward the only person I saw was the lady at the first floor gift counter.

The second floor rotunda area was impressive with stained glass and different art works, all with significance to South Dakota’s heritage. Along the corridors of the second floor there are 18 paintings by artist William Peaco which depict common scenes of South Dakota in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Probably the most impressive feature in the building is the Grand Staircase leading from the second floor to the third floor. The Barrel Vault is a semi-circular area directly over the staircase constructed of Victorian leaded stained glass while the corss members are constructed of painted solid oak. The area was beautiful.

Other than the paintings in the second floor corridors and a display of dolls dressed in replicas of inaugural gowns worn by the spouses of the governors, the building was built to conduct the business of the state. In the end I appreciated the understated elegance of the building.

Several memorials were found on the grounds surrounding the Capitol.

Display of dolls dressed in replicas of inaugural gowns worn by the spouses of governors.

Fountains were original to the building, however, flowing water was not provided when built. A brass cup and a bowl of fresh water were added each day for employee and visitor comfort. Fixtures were added later as running water became available throughout the building.

One of four sculptures in the Rotunda. This is entitled "Vision." The other three are "Wisdom," "Courage," and "Integrity," which according to artist Dale Lamphere, represent the strengths shown by South Dakotans.

General William Beadle, "The Father of Education" in South Dakota, is honored by the sculpture in the Capitol.

One of the 18 paintings depicting early life in South Dakota.

A view of the Barrel Vault from across the Rotunda on the third floor.

One baluster near the top of the staircase was installed upside down to demonstrate humility.

"The Advent of Commerce" by Edward Simmons, represents the first trading of Native Americans with white explorers.

Door knobs in the original building were made with Seal of South Dakota on them.

Throughout Pierre you will find statues honoring the former governors of the state. This one near the Capitol is Governor George S. Mickelson, who died in a plane crash near Dubuque, Iowa, in 1993.

The Fighting Stallions Memorial honors the eight South Dakotans who died in a place crash in 1993.

World War II Memorial. When I first saw the memorial I thought the Sea Gulls on the heads were part of the sculptures until they flew away as I approached.

Six bronze statues, representing the different roles citizens served in the war, stand saluting the United States flag.

The offices of the South Dakota Education Association are directly across the street from the Capitol.

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