South Dakota flag

South Dakota has an official flag. As shown in the image above, it features the state’s seal surrounded by yellow-colored triangles. Above the seal is “SOUTH DAKOTA.” Below the seal is “THE MOUNT RUSHMORE STATE.” The flag feature a bright, attractive design that’s become synonymous with South Dakota. Here are five fun facts about the flag of South Dakota.

#1) The Yellow-Colored Triangles Symbolize the Sun

The state banner of South Dakota features yellow-colored triangles to symbolize the sun. The state’s seal is circular. To mimic the appearance of the sun, the South Dakota state flag has yellow-colored triangles wrapped around the seal. With these yellow-colored triangles, the seal looks like the sun.

#2) Adopted in 1909

The South Dakota flag was originally adopted on Nov. 9, 1992. Since then, it’s been revised two times. The original design was adopted in 1909. It was later revised in 1963 and again in 1992, resulting in the current version of the flag of South Dakota.

#3) Originally Featured a Standard Sun

When it was originally adopted, the South Dakota flag didn’t feature the state’s seal. Instead, it features a standard sun. The original design consisted of a standard, all-yellow sun in the center. And like the current version, it also featured “SOUTH DAKOTA” at the top. Below the sun, however, was “THE SUNSHINE STATE” instead of “THE MOUNT RUSHMORE STATE.”

#4) The Sun Represents the Sunshine State

Both the original and current versions of the South Dakota state flag feature the sun. The original version featured a standard sun, whereas the current version features the state’s seal with yellow-colored triangles, which are designed to symbolize the sun. South Dakota, of course, is commonly referred to as the Sunshine State. Therefore, it only makes sense to include the sun in the flag of South Dakota.

South Dakota is also referred to as the Mount Rushmore State. Mount Rushmore, of course, is located in the Black Hills area of South Dakota. The South Dakota flag was revised in 1992 to include “THE MOUNT RUSHMORE STATE.”

#5) Lawmakers Attempted to Change the Design in 2012

While the current version of the flag of South Dakota is relatively new – it was adopted in 1992 – lawmakers recently tried to change it. In 2012, representative Bernie Hunhoff spearheaded a bill that would change the design of the South Dakota state flag. The bill ultimately failed, however, after being deferred.

• When was the South Dakota state flag adopted and who designed it?
• What is the design on the South Dakota state flag and what does it represent?
• What is the pledge to the South Dakota state flag?
• Where can I purchase a South Dakota flag?
• How do I fly my South Dakota and American flag together?

When was the South Dakota state flag adopted and who designed it?

The first official flag of South Dakota was adopted in 1909, and designed by Ida Anding (now Mrs. McNeil), a former operator of KGFX radio of Pierre, and was at that time a stenographer in the Historical offices. This flag had a different design on each side, so was therefore very expensive. In 1963 it became increasingly evident that the cost to manufacture a flag with a different emblem on each side was expensive to the degree that there were few South Dakota state flags in existence and few seldom flown. On March 11th, 1963 a new flag was adopted. The flag was changed somewhat and the designs, which contain the State Seal, was to be only on the front of the flag. Then in 1992 the last official flag of South Dakota was adopted. On this flag the words, “The Sunshine State” were changed to “The Mount Rushmore State”.

What is the design on the South Dakota state flag and what does it represent?

The state flag of South Dakota features a field of sky blue with the South Dakota state Seal, lying on a blazing sun, central on the flag. The state name “SOUTH DAKOTA” and the nickname, “THE MOUNT RUSHMORE STATE”, are inscribed in a circle around the sun and Seal. The outer circle of the Seal bears the words “STATE of SOUTH DAKOTA” on top and “GREAT SEAL” ON THE BOTTOM. 1889 was the year South Dakota joined the Union. At the top of the inner circle of the Seal is South Dakota’s state motto, “UNDER GOD THE PEOPLE RULE” with a background of sky and the Black Hills, which represent South Dakota’s natural beauty and natural resources. In the center of the seal is a steam ship on the Missouri River running through industrial and agricultural land, which symbolizes South Dakota’s commerce and transportation. On the left bank of the river is a smelting furnace, mill, dump and hoist house, all of which represent the mining industry. On the right bank of the river is a farmer plowing a field with a team of horses, and cattle grazing beside a field of corn, which represent South Dakota’s agriculture and livestock.

What is the pledge to the South Dakota state flag?

The pledge to the South Dakota flag is as follows: ”I pledge loyalty and support to the flag and State of South Dakota, land of sunshine, land of infinite variety”.

Where can I purchase a South Dakota flag?

To get a South Dakota state flag that has bright, beautiful color and is also sturdy, go to Star Spangled Flags. Their flags hold up strong against the elements and are treated with a UV protectant against the bright sunlight. They are 100% made in the U.S.A. and come with a customer satisfaction guarantee and they also provide free shipping!How do I fly my South Dakota and American flag together? Order your own flag today by visiting their website here.

How do I fly my South Dakota and American flag together?

When flying the South Dakota and American flag on the same pole, the flag of the United States must always be at the top and the South Dakota flag should be the same size or smaller. When It is flown on separate poles, the South Dakota flag will be to the right of the flag of the United States situating the U.S. flag in the position of honor, which is to the observer’s left of the other flags.