Cuba, Lafayette County, Missouri facts for kids

Cuba is what people call a ghost town in Lafayette County, Missouri, in the U.S. state of Missouri. A ghost town is a place where most or all people have left, leaving behind empty buildings.

Cuba was started by a group of African Americans. Their skin color was thought to be similar to people from the country of Cuba, which is why the town got its name.

What is a Ghost Town?

A ghost town is a place that was once a busy community but is now mostly empty. People leave ghost towns for many reasons. Sometimes, a mine closes, or a railroad moves. Other times, natural disasters or changes in farming make people move away.

Why Towns Become Ghost Towns

Many small towns in the United States became ghost towns in the 1900s. This often happened when new roads were built, like highways. These roads bypassed smaller towns, so travelers didn't stop there anymore. Also, farming changed, and fewer people were needed to work on farms. This made many families move to bigger cities to find jobs.

The Story of Cuba, Missouri

Cuba, Missouri, was one of those small communities that didn't grow into a big city. It was founded by a group of African Americans who were looking for a new place to build their lives. They worked hard to create a community. However, like many small towns, it eventually saw its residents move away. Over time, the buildings became empty, and the town became a ghost town.