SIOUX FALLS

city, seat (1862) of Minnehaha county, southeastern South Dakota, U.S., on the Big Sioux River. Founded in 1857, it was named for the falls of the river. The settlement was harried by Minnesota Sioux (Dakota) Indians, who caused it to be abandoned in 1862. With the establishment of Fort Dakota on the site in 1865, the settlers gradually returned. The falls were controlled for waterpower in 1873, and the shipment of Sioux Falls granite, a hard quartzite used in construction, began in 1878 after the arrival of the railroad. Because of the laxity of South Dakota divorce laws, Sioux Falls was famous (c. 18901910) as a divorce mill. The city, by far the largest in the state, is a trade and distributing centre for a large farming area. Its stockyards form one of the largest livestock markets in the United States. Industries include meat packing, wood and metal fabrication, and the manufacture of farm machinery and electronic components. One of the world's first commercial nuclear-power plants is on the city's eastern outskirts. Educational facilities include Augustana College (1860), the University of Sioux Falls (1883), and North American Baptist Seminary. The state penitentiary, a school for the deaf, Pettigrew Museum (with pioneer exhibits), and the Earth Resource Observation Systems (EROS) Data Center for the application of space technology to life on Earth are also in the city. Inc. village, 1877; city, 1883. Pop. (1990) city, 100,836; Sioux Falls MSA, 123,809; (1994 est.) city, 109,174; (1995 est.) Sioux Falls MSA, 153,307.