Join fine art photographer Keith Dotson on a visit to photograph two very different South Dakota ‘ghost towns’
Join Teena and I as we visit two so-called “ghost towns” in South Dakota. I say that because both communities do still have small populations of residents.
Our first stop was in Okaton, South Dakota
The town was established in 1906 when the railroad came through the area, and I understand it was built for the railroad workers.
The old wooden grain elevator has definitely seen better days, its top since removed, presumably by winds. The overgrown railroad tracks still run right in front of it.
The railroad left in the 1980s. The post office closed in 2013.
Years ago, a family built a “ghost town” attraction in the community for the sake of tourism and souvenir sales. It had a petting zoo and a rock shop. Now, most of the town is abandoned so it’s like a ghost town within a ghost town.
However, there are still 31 residents, according to the 2020 Census, and everything is still private property so be respectful if you visit.
Cottonwood, South Dakota: Population maybe 12
Cottonwood was founded in 1906 and was originally called Ingham. It was renamed after nearby Cottonwood Creek.
I was able to learn very little about these buildings. Maybe someone can leave a comment with history.
Most of the old town is now gone, but there’s still a warped old wooden church, the ruins of a two story brick store, a tiny wooden jail with bars visible from the window, a few abandoned houses, and a grain elevator.
I hope you enjoyed seeing these to places that are very nearly ghost towns.
Links and Sources
Atlas Obscura. “Okaton Ghost Town.”
Legends of America. “Okaton, South Dakota – A Prairie Ghost Town”
Wikipedia. “Okaton, South Dakota.”