Missouri has a lot of history, but it also has many ghost towns. These towns used to be busy and thriving, but now they have been abandoned and are falling apart. These towns were abandoned for various reasons, including natural disasters, economic downturns, or modern development. They provide a spooky look into the past, filled with mystery and intrigue. In this exploration, we will explore the stories of five abandoned towns in Missouri that have been forgotten over time.
Arlington
Arlington used to be a popular vacation spot on Route 66 in the 1920s and 1930s. It had hotels, a swimming pool, and a dance hall that attracted tourists who wanted to see the beautiful Meramec River and Onondaga Cave. But the town’s luck changed for the worse in the 1950s when Route 66 was changed, taking away its main source of income and visitors. Arlington gradually became abandoned, with only remnants like the run-down hotel and pool remaining as silent witnesses to its past grandeur. Today, travelers can still see reminders of Arlington’s past along the old Route 66. However, it is important to be careful and respectful to avoid entering private property or causing damage.
Times Beach
In 1925, Times Beach became a popular place because of a newspaper promotion. They were selling plots of land and subscriptions for only $67.50. The place was located on the flat area next to the Meramec River. It was designed to be a nice place to spend the summer, with small houses, a hotel, and things to do for fun. However, Times Beach faced repeated flooding and economic problems, which led to a dangerous situation in the 1970s. The town accidentally exposed itself to dioxin, a dangerous substance used in Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, when they hired a waste oil hauler. In 1982, the area experienced more flooding which caused it to be abandoned and eventually destroyed. This serves as a reminder and is now commemorated in a state park.
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Avilla
Avilla was established in 1856 and became a thriving community known for farming and mining. It had important facilities and was a stop on Route 66. But when the interstate highway system was built, it made it unnecessary, which caused a decrease in population and importance. Today, Avilla is a ghost town. It has a few remaining buildings like a gas station, motel, and Civil War cemetery that remind us of its past.
Bloodland
Bloodland was founded in 1869 by people from Kentucky. It got its name from the creek that runs through it, which is stained with iron ore. The town was known for its rough and rowdy reputation, as it served as a central location for farming and logging. But in 1941, the government destroyed Bloodland to build Fort Leonard Wood, forcing the people who lived there to leave and removing it from the map, except for a few remaining things like the cemetery and millstone.
Jollification
Jollification was established in 1870 by settlers from Tennessee. It was a lively center for farming and trading, known for its social gatherings and cultural events. However, the challenges of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl caused its decline, and by the 1950s, it was completely abandoned. The town became a historical park in the 1980s, where its buildings and artifacts were preserved for future generations to explore.
In summary
These five ghost towns in Missouri have a lot of history. They have seen many changes over time. As you begin your journey to discover these old artifacts, please remember to be respectful and honor the memory of the people who used to live in these towns. Ghost towns are not just old remnants, but they remind us of how the world is always changing.
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