General Info

In 1862, twenty-seven years before statehood, Governor Janyne petitioned the War Department for authority to raise two companies of soldiers. These soldiers would act as a territorial defense while the Active Army was fighting in the Civil War. The first company to muster in was Company A, First Dakota Cavalry in Yankton and the second was Company B, First Dakota Cavalry in Sioux City. The First Dakota Cavalry are the ancestors of the South Dakota National Guard. Here at the South Dakota National Guard Museum we honor our Guard members both past and present. Stop by today and learn of the history and hero's of our South Dakota Guard.In 1862, twenty-seven years before statehood, Governor Janyne petitioned the War Department for authority to raise two companies of soldiers. These soldiers would act as a territorial defense while the Active Army was fighting in the Civil War. The first company to muster in was Company A, First Dakota Cavalry in Yankton and the second was Company B, First Dakota Cavalry in Sioux City. The First Dakota Cavalry are the ancestors of the South Dakota National Guard. Here at the South Dakota National Guard Museum we honor our Guard members both past and present. Stop by today and learn of the history and hero's of our South Dakota Guard.