Belmont, Missouri facts for kids
Belmont is a fascinating ghost town located in Mississippi County, on the eastern edge of the U.S. state of Missouri. It sits right by the mighty Mississippi River. This former town is also known as "Belmont Landing" and is officially recognized as a place that once had people living there.
A Look Back at Belmont's History
Belmont was first planned out and mapped in 1853. It was named after August Belmont, a well-known businessman who was interested in developing the area.
Why Belmont Became a Ghost Town
Belmont faced tough times because of several big floods. Major floods hit the town in 1912, 1922, and 1937. These floods covered the town with water, making it very difficult for people to live there. Over time, the number of people living in Belmont slowly decreased until it became a ghost town.
Belmont's Role in the Civil War
Belmont holds an important place in American history because it was the site of a major battle during the American Civil War. In 1861, the Battle of Belmont took place here. This was a significant early battle in the war.
Today, a Civil War site called Columbus-Belmont State Park is located just across the Mississippi River in Kentucky. This park is named after Belmont, showing the lasting importance of the area in the Civil War.
