North Dakota and South Dakota were admitted as the 39th and 40th U.S. states on November 2, 1889. This event marked the culmination of a long process to divide the Dakota Territory into two separate states. The division was primarily driven by the desire of the territory's residents for self-governance and statehood.
The two new states were admitted together as part of the same legislative act. They were carved out of the larger Dakota Territory, which had been established in 1861. Each state has its own unique history, culture, and economy, with North Dakota known for its agriculture and energy resources, and South Dakota famous for its tourism industry and the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
The admission of North Dakota and South Dakota as states occurred just days before the 1889 presidential inauguration of Benjamin Harrison. It was a significant moment in the westward expansion and growth of the United States during the late 19th century.