South Dakota became a state in 1889, and the seal was defined in 1885. The official seal is a picturesque representation of South Dakota's commerce, industry, and natural resources. Within the circle is a background of sky and hills. A river runs through agricultural and industrial land.
Mining is represented with a smelting furnace.
A steam ship plies the waters of the river. A farmer plows a field in front of a herd of cattle and a cornfield. S tate Statute .