Chaonia, Missouri facts for kids
Chaonia was once a small town in Wayne County, Missouri, in the U.S. state of Missouri. It was located right on the bank of the St. Francis River. Today, the area where Chaonia used to be is covered by the waters of Lake Wappapello.
You can still find places nearby that remember the town. The Chaonia Landing recreation area, a spot where people can enjoy the lake, is about half a mile south of where the original town stood. Also, the Chaonia Cemetery, where some of the town's former residents are buried, is on a ridge about half a mile east of the recreation area.
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What Was Chaonia?
Chaonia is known as a ghost town. A ghost town is a place that used to be a busy community but is now mostly empty or completely gone. People often left these towns because important resources ran out, or new transportation routes bypassed them.
A Town's Beginning: Wellsdale
Before it was called Chaonia, the town had a different name: Wellsdale. In 1887, Wellsdale was officially platted. This means its streets, lots, and public areas were carefully mapped out and recorded. This happened when a railroad line was built to reach that spot, which was a big deal for towns back then! Railroads helped towns grow by bringing in goods and people.
The Chaonia Post Office
The town's name changed to Chaonia when a post office opened there in 1888. A post office was a vital part of any community, allowing people to send and receive letters and packages. The Chaonia post office served the area for many years, but it eventually closed down in 1940. When the post office closed, it was often a sign that the town was shrinking or that people were moving away.
Why Did Chaonia Disappear?
Chaonia's story is similar to many other small towns that faded away. The creation of Lake Wappapello in the late 1930s and early 1940s played a big role in its disappearance. The lake was built for flood control and recreation, and its waters covered the land where Chaonia once stood. Today, the lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and camping, but it also holds the history of the town beneath its surface.
