Oldest Building in Rapid City, Haunted by John "Hooky Jack" Leary
321 7th Street, Rapid City, SD 57701
Age
21+ for tavern; All Ages exterior viewing
Cost
$$
Tavern menu pricing
Access
Limited Access
Historic downtown building
Equipment
Photos OK
Est. 1880 · Oldest building in Rapid City · Home of John "Hooky Jack" Leary · Multiple consecutive tavern operations
The historic building at 321 Seventh Street in Rapid City, South Dakota is widely cited as the oldest building in the city, dating to the late 1800s. The building takes its haunted name from John "Hooky Jack" Leary, an early Rapid City resident who reportedly lost both arms and one eye in a mining explosion during the 1800s; in the absence of his arms he was outfitted with hooks, giving him the nickname "Hooky Jack." Leary is said to have lived on the third floor of the building until his death in 1926. The space has subsequently hosted multiple tenants including Hooky Jacks restaurant, Phatty McGee's nightclub, and the Sports Rock tavern. South Dakota Public Broadcasting has covered the Hooky Jack Leary historical story.
Sources
Reports of activity at 321 Seventh Street span the building's full century-plus history. Common accounts include pool balls moving by themselves, the sound of conversation when no patrons are present, footsteps and chairs moving on their own, and items mysteriously falling from ledges where they had been pushed well back. Bartenders report seeing figures walk past their station only to find no one nearby. The activity is locally attributed to John Leary, whose biography is documented in South Dakota historical sources and whose death in 1926 anchors the folklore.
Notable Entities
Media Appearances
Visit the historic 321 Seventh Street building, said to be the oldest in Rapid City. The space has hosted Hooky Jacks restaurant, Phatty McGee's nightclub, and most recently the Sports Rock tavern.
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