Swift, Missouri facts for kids

Swift was once a small town located in Pemiscot County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. Today, it is considered an extinct town, which means it no longer exists as a populated place. The GNIS (Geographic Names Information System) officially lists Swift as a former populated place.

What Was Swift?

Swift was a small community that existed for a few decades in Missouri. It was named after a person known as Mr. Swift, who originally owned the land where the town was built. Like many small towns that grew around specific industries or services, Swift eventually faded away.

A Brief History

The town of Swift had a slightly different name when it first started. It was originally known as "Swifton." A post office was opened in Swifton in 1914, which was an important service for any community at that time. Having a post office meant people could send and receive mail, connecting them to the outside world.

The name of the town changed from Swifton to Swift in 1926. This change might have been for simplicity or for other reasons lost to history. The post office continued to serve the community for several more years. However, in 1943, the post office officially closed. When a post office closes in a small town, it often signals that the community is shrinking or that people are moving away.

Over time, Swift became what is known as a ghost town. This means that the buildings and people are mostly gone, leaving behind only memories or perhaps a few foundations. Many small towns in the United States became ghost towns as industries changed or people moved to larger cities for work and opportunities.