Gutzon Borglum
1867-1941: Carved the faces of Mount Rushmore. He began the project in 1927 at the age of 60. Work continued until his death in 1941. Borglum's vision for the carving was to illustrate the philosophy of American government, its ideals and its greatest leaders.
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Sitting Bull
1831-90: Was a respected Lakota Sioux leader. He helped to lead the Indian army that defeated Lt. Col. Custer at the Battle of Little Big Horn.
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Laura Ingalls Wilder
1867-1957: The author of the "Little House on the Prairie" books. Laura writes about her adventures in De Smet, South Dakota in six of her books. She moved to De Smet at the age of 12.
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James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok
1837-76: Was known throughout the Old West for his speed and deadly accuracy with firearms. He came to Deadwood in June 1876 and was killed shortly after. Visit hi sgravesite at Mount Moriah Cemetery and view some of his personal belongings at Adams Memorial Museum.
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Meriwether Lewis/William Clark
1774-1809/1770-1838: Explored South Dakota in 1804. The explorers met with the Yankton Sioux and the Teton, Lewis and Clark traveled through the state again in 1806.
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