Belden, Minnesota facts for kids
Belden is a ghost town located in Pine County, a part of the state of Minnesota in the United States. A ghost town is a place where most or all people have left, leaving behind empty buildings and a quiet history.
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The Story of Belden
Belden was once a small, active community. It was not always a ghost town. Like many small towns, its life depended on important services and transportation.
Early Days and the Post Office
A post office was opened in Belden in 1913. This was a big deal for the people living there. A post office allowed them to send and receive mail. It connected them to the rest of the world. The post office served the community for many years, closing its doors in 1943.
The Railroad Connection
Belden also had a train station, called a depot. This depot was on the Soo Railway line. Railroads were very important in the early 1900s. They helped people travel and moved goods like crops or timber. The presence of a depot meant Belden was a stop on this busy railway. This connection helped the town grow and thrive for a while.
Why Towns Become Ghost Towns
Towns like Belden often become ghost towns when their main reasons for existing disappear. For example, if a railroad line changes, or if a local industry like logging or mining stops, people might move away to find work elsewhere. Over time, if enough people leave, a town can become completely empty.
