South Dakota: Postwar Changes

Postwar Changes

The 1950s began a period of Democratic strength in state politics. George McGovern was elected to the House of Representatives in 1956 and to the Senate in 1962, 1968, and 1974. In 1972 McGovern ran unsuccessfully for president. In 1973 the American Indian Movement led a 71-day occupation of Wounded Knee that included gun battles with federal marshals; the occupation was in part a protest over the issue of broken treaties.

In the postwar period the adoption of improved farming techniques resulted in a steady increase in agricultural and livestock production. This was accompanied, however, by the consolidation of small farms into large units and the displacement of many small farmers. Irrigation projects, extension of hydroelectric power, and protective measures against wind and water erosion have been implemented, avoiding the threat of new disasters. In 1981 a major New York bank relocated its credit-card operations to Sioux Falls, marking the beginning of the state's shift toward service, finance, and trade industries that, in turn, has resulted in significant economic growth. Some casino gambling was legalized in 1989 and tourism continues to be one of the state's top sources of income. Family farming has declined leading to large drops in population in rural areas of the state, while urban areas have benefitted from new service and technology industries. The Sanford Underground Research Facility opened in 2007 in a former gold mine; it is the deepest scientific research site in the country.

Republicans have held the governorship since 1979. Current governor, Kristi Noem (2019- ), is the first woman to hold the post. She ran as a conservative, opposing abortion, COVID-19 vaccinations, and legalization of medical marijuana use.

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