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Louisiana Purchase
The area that would become the Dakota Territory is acquired by the Louisiana Purchase. -
Drought
In the Badlands area, a drought in 1861 which lasted 3 years drove the bison from the area. -
Dakota Territory Established
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North and South Dakota
North and South Dakota joined the union. -
Park Authorization
The park is authorized, but not established. -
FDR creates National Monument
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the proclamation actually creating Badlands National Monument. -
Gunnery Range
During World War II, the US government took over a portion of the Pine Ridge Reservation for use as a weapon range. That area now falls within the area of the park. It was used by the military from 1942 until 1945. -
Badlands become a National Park
Congress passes the legislation necessary to redesignate the monument to a National Park.