The history of Black Hills State University as a public educational institution begins with an act passsed by the Dakota Territorial Legislature in 1881 and a provisional appropriation of building funds in 1883: If Spearfish and surrounding communities could obtain at least forty acres of land and hand over the deed to the Territorial government, the legislature would fund the construction of a school, "the exclusive purpose of which (would) be the instruction of persons both male and female in the art of teaching and in all the various branches that pertain to a good common school education."

The name of the institution has changed many times over the years and at times it has had more than one name:

• 1883 - Dakota Territorial Normal School
• 1885-1922 - Spearfish Normal ("Dakota Normal" and "State Normal")
• 1941 - Black Hills Teachers College
• 1964 - Black Hills State College
• 1989 - Black Hills State University

Film shot in 1913 shows students and faculty marching out and lining up in front of the main campus buildings of the time.

Black Hills State University has grown over the years and it's central mission has expanded. The institution's 2014 mission statement says the school provides "undergraduate (associate and baccalaureate) programs in the arts, humanities, education, behavioral sciences, mathematics, social sciences, natural sciences, business and technology as well as selected disciplines of strength at the graduate level."

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An 1887 portrait of BHSU's first president, Fayette L. Cook

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A 1916 portrait of BHSU's first president, Fayette L. Cook. Was was president from 1885 until 1919.

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Spearfish Normal School Admin Building in 1913

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On January 13, 1925, a fire ignited in the Main Building of Spearfish Normal School.

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No lives were lost in the 1925 fire, but the main building contained many classrooms, laboratories, and offices, as well as the school's library.

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These arches were created from the remains of Old Main Hall, which was destroyed in the 1925 fire. (2014 Photo)

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These arches were created from the remains of Old Main Hall, which was destroyed in the 1925 fire. (2014 Photo)

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OTHER MEDIA
History of Black Hills State University
DLSD: Black Hills State University Archives
Photo: Main Building and Woodburn Hall
Photo: Dakota Territorial Normal School