Swett, South Dakota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Swett, South Dakota
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 Swett, South Dakota
Location in South Dakota
Swett, South Dakota
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | South Dakota |
| County | Bennett |
| Elevation | 3,343 ft (1,019 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| Area code | 605 |
| FIPS code | 46-62660 |
| GNIS ID | 1258479 |
Swett is a small, former community located in Bennett County, South Dakota, United States. It is known as an unincorporated community, meaning it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. In 2014, Swett was put up for sale as a ghost town, but it took some time to find a new owner.
This tiny place is found on U.S. Highway 18. It's about a two-hour drive southeast of Rapid City. The entire area of Swett covers about 6.16 acres of land. It used to have a few buildings, including a gas station, a museum, a bar, and a store. Some people described these buildings as "a few ramshackle buildings," meaning they looked a bit run-down.
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What Is the History of Swett?
Swett was established in 1931. A year later, in 1932, a post office opened inside the local grocery store. This store was owned by a farmer named Swett, which is how the community got its name.
How Many People Lived in Swett?
In the 1940s, about 40 people lived in Swett. At that time, the community had a post office, a grocery store, and several houses. However, the post office closed in 1945. After that, the community became best known for its saloon. This saloon was later turned into a home. A new building was then constructed to become the current Swett Tavern.
Who Owned Swett Over Time?
As years passed, fewer and fewer people owned property in Swett. Eventually, one person ended up owning all the land and buildings in the community. The property was then passed from one owner to another. In 1998, a person named Lance Benson acquired the town. After a divorce, his former wife received ownership of Swett. However, in 2012, Benson bought the town back again.
In June 2014, Benson decided to sell Swett for $399,000. The news about this small community being for sale became known around the world. In October 2015, the bank that held the mortgage for the property took ownership of it. The selling price was then lowered to $250,000 in 2015. As part of a general cleanup, three mobile homes were removed from the property.
What Was the Economy Like in Swett?
The Swett Tavern bar was considered the most important part of the community. It was described as the "beating heart" of Swett. The bar served as a meeting place for local cowboys and wheat farmers. It was also the only place to get a drink within a two-mile area.
What Was the Reputation of Swett Tavern?
The bar was once known for attracting "rough customers" and sometimes had fights. However, its reputation improved after Lance Benson took ownership. The Swett Tavern always kept a local feel. It was a place where cowboy hats were common, and old wagon wheels decorated the front of the building.
How Is Swett Included in Census Data?
Even though Swett is not officially a Census Designated Place (CDP), the United States Census Bureau includes it. It is part of a statistical area called the "Unorganized Territory of West Bennett." This means that while it's not a formal town, its population data is still counted within a larger region for official statistics.
