For Sale: Swett, S.D. Price: $400,000

For sale: Scenic South Dakota town named after local farmer; post office closed. $400,000.

Swett, S.D., a 6.6-acre hamlet two hours southeast of Rapid City, was put up for sale by owner Lance Benson last week.

"Like I say, I hate to get rid of it," Benson told the Rapid City Journal. "If I don't sell it, if I don't sell it this first year, I would probably keep it."

The town boasted a population of 40 in the 1940s when it had its own post office, a few houses and a grocery store. Now there are just two residents: Benson and his wife, plus their dog, Daisy.

Benson said he first acquired the town in 1998, lost it in a divorce proceeding and then reacquired it about 2012.

Swett's one thriving business is the Swett Tavern, the only watering hole for 10 miles.

Gerry Runnels, 47, said the tavern is an institution. His grandfather drank there and his father would play Keno there. At age 7, that's where Runnels learned to play pool, he said.

"It's now kind of a place you can come in and have a meal with your family rather than defend your family," his nephew, Ray Runnels, 27, said.