Pierre, city, capital of South Dakota and seat of Hughes County, on the east bank of the Missouri River, near the geographical center of the state; incorporated 1883. It is the administrative center of South Dakota and a distribution point for the surrounding agricultural region, in which cattle and grain are raised. Points of interest include the South Dakota Heritage Museum, with displays of historical, military, and Native American artifacts; the State Capitol (completed 1910); and the governor's mansion (1936). A school for Native American children is here. Oahe Dam and Lake Oahe, components of an important irrigation, power, and flood-control project on the Missouri River, and Farm Island State Recreation Area are located nearby. The community was established on the site of the fortified capital of the Arikara people. Fort Pierre, across the river, developed as a fur-trading post during the first half of the 19th century. After 1880, when Pierre became a railroad terminus, it experienced a period of rapid growth. In 1889, when South Dakota entered the Union, the city became the state capital. Population 11,973 (1980); 12,906 (1990); 13,267 (1998 estimate).Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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