Deep Dive - Our State Seal and Flag

16/07/2025 7 min

Listen "Deep Dive - Our State Seal and Flag"

Episode Synopsis

From golden sunbursts to steamboats on the river, South Dakota’s state flag and seal are packed with more meaning than meets the eye. In this episode we take a deep dive into the history, evolution, and powerful imagery behind these official emblems of identity.You’ll discover how a farmer, a plow, a smelting furnace, and the motto “Under God the People Rule” came together in 1885 to form the Great Seal—long before statehood. Then we trace the journey of the flag, from its original “Sunshine State” design in 1909 to the “Mount Rushmore State” update in 1992, and how it still flutters above courthouses, classrooms, and community centers across the state.We’ll also explore how the flag and seal show up in daily life—from Sioux Falls students learning about the symbols in history class to locals engaging in modern redesign conversations. It’s more than just fabric and ink—it’s the story of who we are, stitched into every detail.