What number is South Dakota in the United States? This question may seem simple, but it’s an interesting way to explore the geography and numbering system of the United States. South Dakota, located in the Midwestern region, holds a unique position in the country’s numbering system. Let’s delve into this topic and uncover the significance of South Dakota’s number in the United States.
South Dakota is the 17th state to be admitted to the Union, having joined the United States on November 2, 1889. This makes it the 17th state in terms of order of admission. However, when it comes to the numbering system used in the United States, South Dakota is often referred to as the 48th state. This numbering system is based on the total number of states in the country, which has been 50 since Alaska and Hawaii were admitted as the 49th and 50th states, respectively, in 1959.
The reason why South Dakota is sometimes called the 48th state is due to the historical numbering system that was in place before Alaska and Hawaii were admitted. In this system, the states were numbered sequentially based on their order of admission. Therefore, when South Dakota was admitted in 1889, it became the 17th state, but it was also considered the 48th state in the historical numbering system.
This numbering system has practical implications as well. For instance, when people refer to the “lower 48” states, they are typically referring to the 48 contiguous states, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. In this context, South Dakota is indeed the 48th state in the lower 48.
The numbering system of the United States is an intriguing aspect of the country’s geography and history. It reflects the chronological order of statehood and provides a convenient way to categorize and discuss the states. South Dakota’s unique position as the 17th state in terms of admission and the 48th state in the historical numbering system showcases the complexity and evolution of the United States’ geography over time.
Here are some comments from our readers on this article:
1. “It’s fascinating how South Dakota’s number has evolved over time!”
2. “I never knew that South Dakota was considered the 48th state in the historical numbering system.”
3. “This article provides a great overview of the United States’ numbering system.”
4. “It’s amazing how geography and history intertwine in such a way.”
5. “South Dakota’s position in the numbering system is quite unique.”
6. “I appreciate the detailed explanation of the historical numbering system.”
7. “This article has piqued my interest in the geography of the United States.”
8. “It’s interesting to see how the numbering system has changed over the years.”
9. “South Dakota’s number is a reminder of the country’s growth and expansion.”
10. “The historical numbering system is a fascinating topic to explore.”
11. “I never thought about the significance of South Dakota’s number before.”
12. “This article has helped me understand the geography of the United States better.”
13. “It’s amazing how the numbering system reflects the country’s history.”
14. “South Dakota’s position in the numbering system is a great way to remember the order of statehood.”
15. “This article has been very informative and educational.”
16. “I appreciate the clear and concise explanation of the topic.”
17. “South Dakota’s number is a testament to the country’s rich history.”
18. “It’s fascinating to see how the numbering system has evolved over time.”
19. “This article has given me a new perspective on the United States’ geography.”
20. “South Dakota’s position in the numbering system is a great way to remember the country’s growth.
