A cursory examination of place names on a map of South Dakota does not reflect the important role that Indians have played in the state and their relation to the land framed by its borders. Only three towns with populations over 1,000 bear names that clearly come from Indian languages: Sioux Falls, Sisseton, and Yankton. The hostile relationship existing between white settlers and Indians in South Dakota from 1859-1890 when most of the names which have gained official status were assigned by whites may account, in part, for the lack of Indian names. However, a closer examination of the names of smaller towns reveals a fascinating variety of documentation and folklore tracing back to a rich heritage of Sioux Indian influence. Interesting details surround the towns of Huron, Iroquois, Seneca, Onida, Pukwana, Kodoka, Oacoma, Oglala, Wasta, and Wakonda. Place names that are translations of Indian words form a longer list, but it is difficult to ascertain which are actually translations and which are descriptive labels that would be natural in any language. Place names falling into this group include Black Hills, Badlands, Vermillion River, and Wounded Knee. (NEC)