Melvin, South Dakota facts for kids

Melvin was a ghost town located in Custer County, South Dakota. A ghost town is a place where most people have left, often because a main industry like mining or farming stopped. These towns are often left with empty buildings and a quiet history.

What Was Melvin?

Melvin was a small settlement that existed for a very short time. It was located in Custer County, South Dakota, which is in the U.S. state of South Dakota.

Why Did Melvin Become a Ghost Town?

The town of Melvin had a post office for only a short period, from 1889 to 1890. A post office is usually a sign that a town is growing and needs to send and receive mail. However, Melvin's post office closed quickly, suggesting the town did not grow as expected. When a town's main purpose or industry disappears, people often move away to find work or better opportunities elsewhere. This is how places become ghost towns.

Who Was Melvin Perkins?

The town was named after Melvin Perkins. He was the son of an early settler in the area. Settlers were some of the first people to move to and build homes in a new region. Naming towns after important local figures or their family members was a common practice during the early days of settlement in the American West.