| 1885 | Dakota Territorial Legislature founded Dakota School of Mines to provide instruction in mining engineering.
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| 1887 | Opened for instruction with Dr. Franklin R. Carpenter as president.
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1889
| Name changed to South Dakota School of Mines as North Dakota and South Dakota were granted statehood.
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1943
| During World War II, the school name changed to South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in recognition of the university's expanded role in new areas of science and technology.
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| 2003 | Reaffirmed mission to be dedicated to being a leader in 21st century education and a premiere technological university.
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