Was South Dakota a Territory Before Statehood?

South Dakota's Path to Statehood

Yes. The Dakota Territory was created by Congress on March 2, 1861, encompassing present-day North Dakota, South Dakota, and parts of Montana and Wyoming.

In 1889, the territory was divided. South Dakota became a state on November 2, 1889 (same day as North Dakota), the 40th state admitted to the Union.