Conata is a ghost town in Pennington County, in the U.S. state of South Dakota. The GNIS classifies it as a populated place.[1]

Conata
Conata is located in South Dakota
Conata
Conata
Location in South Dakota
Coordinates: 43°43′43″N 102°11′20″W / 43.72861°N 102.18889°W / 43.72861; -102.18889
CountryUnited States
StateSouth Dakota
CountyPennington
Elevation
2,477 ft (755 m)
Time zoneUTC-6 ([MST])
 • Summer (DST)MST
Area code605
GNIS feature ID1261477

History

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Conata Water Tower footings

Conata had its start in 1907 when the Milwaukee Railroad was extended to that point. A post office called Conata was established in 1908, and remained in operation until 1954.

 
Remaining rail section

The USGS Historical Map Explorer maps of 1950 and 1952 show the railroad line, Conata Rd and 14 structures )[2]

A 1966 System Map of “The Milwaukee Road” does not identify Conata as a stop.[3]

The tracks for the “Milwaukee Road” railroad have been removed East and West of Conata Basin Rd, all but one section of track which still lies under the dirt road. The ends of the rails are visible on either side of the road. (See photos)

Google Maps shows outlines of the town boundaries and lots [4]

 
Abandoned Vehicle in the ghost town of Conata with the message "UR ON SACRED LAND."

References

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  1. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Conata, South Dakota
  2. ^ "Esri Topo Explorer". livingatlas.arcgis.com. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
  3. ^ "Milwaukee Road (Railroad)". American-Rails.com. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
  4. ^ "Conata · Conata Township, SD 57790". Conata · Conata Township, SD 57790. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
 
Remaining rail section