New Kristi Noem Statue Honors South Dakota Governor & Her Horse

After months of anticipation, Former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem now has a bigger mold on our state's history.

Kristi Noem did not appear alone in her new statue. In a surprising twist, her beloved horse Iceman is seen standing tall next to the former governor. Together, they will eternally greet South Dakota natives and tourists alike in Pierre.

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Dakota News Now (with permission)

Kristi Noem's new bronze statue is part of the The Trail of Governors Foundation. Since 2010, The Trail of Governors Foundation has made it a priority to honor South Dakota’s chief executives in a "unique and lasting manner."  The organization celebrates the leaders of South Dakota who shaped our state, and now, former Governor Kristi Noem has her statue added to this tradition permanently.

Eric Thayer, Getty Images

During the ceremony last week, Kristi Noem told the crowd she has always been proud to call South Dakota home. She wouldn't have been the leader she was without her team while in the governor's office and her community.

“No leader does it by themselves, and in South Dakota we truly had a team out of the governor’s office and also the people of this state. When I trusted them with personal responsibility, they made the best decision for them and their families, and I think that’s why we excelled so well."

She shared photos of the momentous occasion in a series of photos on Facebook.

South Dakota Sculptor John Lopez worked on the statue paying tribute to the first female Governor of South Dakota. Artist David Uhl created the portrait. Kristi Noem's statue and official portrait will be located near South Dakota Boulevard and East Church Street at Hilger’s Gulch in Pierre.

Since The Trail of Governors Foundation is funded by donations, officials are asking for your continued support of these projects. Your help will go towards future statues of South Dakota leaders to forever be cemented in South Dakota history.