Sweden, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sweden, Texas
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 Sweden, Texas
Location in Texas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Duval |
| Elevation | 62 ft (19 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
78341
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| Area code(s) | 361 |
Sweden is a fascinating ghost town located in Duval County, Texas. A ghost town is a place where most or all people have left, leaving behind empty buildings and a quiet history. Sweden is found about four miles southwest of Benavides, just off Farm-to-Market Road 359.
Contents
The Story of Sweden, Texas
Sweden, Texas, has a short but interesting history. It was once a small community, but over time, people moved away. Today, it stands as a reminder of the past.
Early Days and the Post Office
The town's story began in 1884 when a post office first opened its doors. This was an important step for any new settlement. A post office meant people could send and receive mail, connecting them to the outside world.
However, the first post office in Sweden closed just one year later in 1885. This might have been a sign that the town was struggling to grow.
A Brief Comeback
After a break, the post office reopened in 1907. This brought new hope for Sweden. For a while, the town saw some growth. Its population reached its highest point in 1914, with about 25 people living there.
Why Sweden Became a Ghost Town
Despite the brief comeback, the population of Sweden began to shrink after 1914. People started to move away, perhaps looking for better opportunities elsewhere. The post office, which had reopened, closed permanently in 1932. This was a big sign that the town was fading.
By the 1950s, there were very few people left. The town's school, which was important for local families, was combined with the Benavides Independent School District. This meant that children from Sweden would go to school in Benavides. Eventually, no one lived in Sweden anymore, turning it into the ghost town it is today.
