Missouri, a state steeped in history and legend, boasts some of America’s most fascinating ghost towns. These deserted settlements provide a window into bygone eras, each with its own narrative of prosperity and decline.
In this article, we’ll delve into the remnants of these once-vibrant communities. From the haunting quiet of empty streets to the crumbling remains resonating with echoes of the past, come along as we uncover the stories of five forgotten ghost towns in Missouri.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an urban adventurer, or simply curious, these eerie locations are bound to capture your imagination and transport you through the hidden history of the Show-Me State.
Ashwood
Ashwood was initially established in the 1900s as a component of President FDR’s New Deal initiative. It was among several ghost towns in South Carolina included in this project, aiming to rejuvenate farmlands and uplift impoverished areas in the southern regions.
Presently, a handful of antiquated residences remain, with particular attention drawn to the enduring presence of the Ashwood School Gymnasium built in 1938, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Ferguson
Ferguson, situated on an island in South Carolina, stands out as one of the rare ghost towns in the state. Established in 1881, the town emerged to cater to the thriving local lumber industry.
Unfortunately, the town faced an abrupt decline in 1917 when the lumber operations came to a halt, leading to its near-immediate abandonment. Presently, the remnants of this ghost town lie partially submerged beneath Lake Marion.
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Mountville
Established in 1696 by a resident of Dorchester, Massachusetts, the town took its name from his hometown. However, it was deserted in 1751 when its founder relocated elsewhere. Over time, Mountville’s population dwindled as people sought employment elsewhere.
By 2010, Mountville housed approximately 80 residents, a decline from its peak of 130 in 2000. Notable landmarks include an ancient cemetery, a former train station, and two churches, including South Carolina’s oldest known church, the First Baptist Church.
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Ellenton
Ellenton was established in the mid-1800s as a railroad community, sparked by the romance between the railroad superintendent and a local woman in her twenties.
Despite its origin story, Ellenton harbors one of the bleakest pasts among the ghost towns in South Carolina. In 1876, the town experienced a race riot resulting in the tragic deaths of one white man and 100 African Americans.
The Atomic Energy Commission acquired the land, compelling all residents to relocate to New Ellenton. Nowadays, the area remains desolate, with only faint traces of streets and old driveways remaining. The property is currently under the ownership and use of the local energy company.
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Dunbarton
In the early 1950s, Dunbarton, South Carolina, functioned as an agricultural, trading, and sawmill town with a population of around 300 residents. It boasted 35 homes, 15 commercial buildings, and two schools.
The town gained prominence with the construction of a new rail line and a subsequent railroad station in 1951. The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission purchased Dunbarton, incorporating it into the Savannah River Plant. Over time, the town was abandoned, leaving behind a captivating history.
Today, little remains of this ghost town except for a blocked-off old road and some overgrown railroad tracks in the vicinity.
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To Conclude
The abandoned ghost towns of Missouri hold more than just traces of their former existence. They stand as poignant reminders of changing fortunes, human strength, and the lasting impact of history.
Whether thriving or facing hardship, each town has contributed to Missouri’s story. So, as you explore the Show-Me State, watch for these silent witnesses of the past. Though deserted, their tales continue to resonate.
