Bovee, South Dakota facts for kids
Bovee is a small, unincorporated community located in Charles Mix County, in the U.S. state of South Dakota. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's managed by the larger county.
The Story of Bovee
Bovee started as a small settlement around 1913. It was created to be a busy trading center for local farmers. Farmers would bring their crops and goods to Bovee to sell or trade. This community was located along a special train track called a "branch line" of the Milwaukee Road railway. This made it easy for goods to be moved in and out of the area.
Why Bovee Changed
However, Bovee's busy times didn't last long. In the 1920s, a new road, Highway 45 (which is now SD 50), was built. This new highway bypassed Bovee. It made it easier for farmers to go directly to larger towns like Geddes and Platte to sell their goods. Because of this, Bovee became less important as a trading hub.
Post Office and Name
A post office was opened in Bovee in 1916. It helped people send and receive mail for many years. The post office stayed open until 1955. The community was named after Myndert Bovee, who was one of the first settlers in the area.
What's Left Today
Today, Bovee is mostly a ghost of its former self. As of 2023, you can still see some parts of the old street layout. There are also a few old building foundations. You might even spot a house that has collapsed on 371st Avenue. These are the only reminders of the once-active trading community.
