Big Bottom, South Dakota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Big Bottom, South Dakota
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 Big Bottom, South Dakota
Location in South Dakota
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| Country | United States of America |
| State | South Dakota |
| County | Meade |
| Founded | 1878 |
| Abandoned | c. 1887 |
| Founded by | Thomas D. Pryor |
| Elevation | 2,995 ft (913 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
Big Bottom was a small town in Meade County, South Dakota, USA. It existed for only a short time, from 1878 to about 1887, before becoming a ghost town. Today, almost nothing is left of this once-hopeful settlement.
Contents
What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a place that used to be a town or city but is now empty. Most ghost towns have very few or no people living there anymore. Buildings might be falling apart, or only foundations might remain. Big Bottom is a good example of a ghost town.
The Story of Big Bottom
How Big Bottom Started
Big Bottom was founded in 1878 by a man named Thomas D. Pryor. He built a large, two-story house for himself. He also added a fun dance hall and a lively saloon. These places quickly became popular spots for people living nearby.
Growing and Then Fading Away
In 1880, Big Bottom got its own post office, which was a big step for any new town. Soon after, a school was built, showing that families were moving there. People hoped that a railroad would come through Big Bottom. A railroad would have brought more people and businesses.
However, the railroad ended up going a different way, completely bypassing the town. This was a huge disappointment. Without the railroad, Big Bottom couldn't grow. By 1887, the store and saloon had to close their doors. People started to leave, and soon the town was completely empty.
Where Was Big Bottom?
Big Bottom was located on the Great Plains in the western part of Meade County, South Dakota. Today, if you visit the spot where Big Bottom once stood, you won't find much. The only thing left is the basement foundation of Thomas D. Pryor's old house. It's a quiet reminder of a town that once was.
