Missouri harbors a rich tapestry of history, yet within its borders lie numerous ghost towns—once thriving communities now left to the ravages of time. These towns abandoned due to a myriad of reasons such as natural disasters, economic downturns, or modern development, offer a haunting glimpse into the past, shrouded in mystery and intrigue. In this exploration, we’ll delve into the forgotten tales of five deserted towns in Missouri.
Arlington
Once a bustling resort town along the iconic Route 66 during the 1920s and 1930s, Arlington boasted attractions like hotels, a swimming pool, and a dance hall, drawing tourists seeking the scenic wonders of the Meramec River and Onondaga Cave. However, the town’s fortunes dwindled when Route 66 was rerouted in the 1950s, stripping away its lifeline and visitors. Slowly, Arlington succumbed to abandonment, with only remnants like the dilapidated hotel and pool standing as silent witnesses to its former glory. Travelers today can still glimpse Arlington’s echoes along the old Route 66, but tread cautiously to avoid trespassing or vandalism.
Times Beach
In 1925, Times Beach emerged as a newspaper-driven promotional venture, offering plots of land and subscriptions for a mere $67.50. Nestled on the floodplain of the Meramec River, it aimed to be a summer haven, featuring cottages, a hotel, and recreational amenities. However, plagued by recurrent flooding and economic woes, Times Beach’s fate took a toxic turn in the 1970s. Contracting a waste oil hauler inadvertently exposed the town to dioxin, a hazardous byproduct used in Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Subsequent flooding in 1982 sealed its fate, leading to evacuation and eventual demolition, leaving behind a cautionary tale memorialized in a state park.
Avilla
Founded in 1856, Avilla flourished as a farming and mining community, boasting essential amenities and serving as a stop along Route 66. However, the advent of the interstate highway system rendered it obsolete, triggering a decline in population and relevance. Today, Avilla stands as a ghost town, its remnants—a gas station, motel, and Civil War cemetery—testifying to its bygone era.
Bloodland
Established in 1869 by Kentucky settlers, Bloodland derived its name from the iron ore-stained creek running through its heart. A hub for farming and logging, the town earned notoriety for its rough-and-tumble reputation. However, in 1941, the government razed Bloodland to make way for Fort Leonard Wood, displacing its residents and erasing it from the map, save for a few vestiges like the cemetery and millstone.
Jollification
Founded in 1870 by Tennessee settlers, Jollification was a vibrant farming and trading hub, renowned for its social gatherings and cultural events. Yet, the hardships of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl precipitated its decline, leading to abandonment by the 1950s. In the 1980s, the town found new life as a historical park, preserving its buildings and artifacts for future generations to explore.
Conclusion
These five ghost towns encapsulate Missouri’s tumultuous past, each bearing witness to the ebb and flow of history. As you embark on your journey to unearth these relics of yesteryear, remember to tread respectfully, honoring the legacy of those who once called these towns home. Ghost towns are not merely relics of the past but serve as poignant reminders of the ever-changing landscape of our world.