Ellenorah, Missouri facts for kids

Ellenorah was once a small town in Gentry County, Missouri, that no longer exists. It's what we call an "extinct town" or a "ghost town" because its people eventually moved away, leaving the area empty.

What Was Ellenorah?

Ellenorah was officially recognized as a "populated place" by the GNIS (Geographic Names Information System). This system keeps track of names for places in the United States, even those that are no longer active towns.

Where Was This Town?

The community of Ellenorah was located in a scenic spot near the East Fork of the Grand River. This was about six miles north of a town called Albany. A smaller stream, Big Muddy Creek, joined the East Fork of the Grand River just half a mile west of where Ellenorah used to be.

How Did Ellenorah Get Its Name?

The name "Ellenorah" has an interesting story! It was created by combining the first names of two daughters belonging to one of the early settlers in the area. This was a common way for pioneers to name new places.

Before it was called Ellenorah, the area had another name: "Gay's Mill." This name came from a man named Jesse Gay, who owned and operated a saw and gristmill there. A gristmill was a place where farmers could bring their grain to be ground into flour, and a saw mill cut timber into lumber for building. These mills were very important for early communities.

What Was Life Like in Ellenorah?

For a time, Ellenorah had its own post office, which was a vital part of any community in those days. The post office opened in 1865, allowing people to send and receive letters and packages. However, it closed down in 1898. When a post office closes, it often means that the town is shrinking or that people are moving away, which eventually led to Ellenorah becoming an extinct town.