The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology was originally established in 1885 by the Dakota Territorial Legislature as the Dakota School of Mines to provide instruction in mining engineering at a location where mining was the primary industry. The School of Mines opened for instruction on February 17, 1887. Dr. Franklin R. Carpenter, a graduate of Ohio University, was appointed president and dean of the faculty. Degrees were initially offered in mining engineering and metallurgical engineering. When North and South Dakota were granted statehood in 1889, the school was re-designated as the South Dakota School of Mines.