The giant Clydesdales strut slowly, taking a single step for every three steps of the Shetlands. Donkeys and dogs and mules. Colorful flags. Wood-wheeled wagons and rubber, too. A mile long or more. Such is the South Dakota quasquicentennial wagon train that gathered in Yankton on the night of Sept. 3 and then departed on an 18-day journey to Pierre to celebrate the state’s 125th birthday. Here are some pictures of the kick-off event and the first leg of the trip.