What two U.S. states joined the Union on the same day, same year?

On Nov. 2, 1889, the Dakota territory was split in two and both North and South Dakota were admitted to the Union.

However, as always, there are back stories.

The political climate of the day was fascinating. In early 1888, Democrats under President Grover Cleveland suggested that four territories, New Mexico, Montana, Dakota and Washington be admitted together. Two would vote Democrat, the other two Republican. However, the Republicans won the Senate in the election later that year. So the Dems, in order to head off the prospect that the Republicans would only admit states that voted their way, suggested the Dakotas be split and admitted with New Mexico left out. They saw this as a compromise.

But incoming Republican President Benjamin Harrison had a problem with South Dakota since 75-percent of its land belonged to the Sioux Indians. Congress proposed a plan to buy the land for $1.25 and acre figuring a final price of about $25,000. A commission was formed, including veteran Indian fighter George Crook. He lived up to his name with numerous underhanded dealings with the Indians to obtain the land. Crook wouldn't allow leaders like Sitting Bull in the negotiations. He dealt with the moderates and still tricked _ as some Indians claimed _ the Sioux to sign over half of the lands to the government. The remaining acreage was turned into smaller reservations for the Sioux. This hurdle cleared, Harrison signed the bill and the Dakotas became states.