Evona, Missouri facts for kids
Evona is a small, quiet place in Gentry County, Missouri. It's what we call an unincorporated community. This means it's a settlement that doesn't have its own local government, like a mayor or city council. Instead, it's part of the larger county. Evona is located in the U.S. state of Missouri, a state in the middle of America.
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Evona's Beginnings: A Railroad Story
Evona was officially started, or platted, in the year 1879. This was a time when railroads were super important for connecting towns and helping new communities grow across America. Interestingly, the name "Evona" was actually created by the railroad company itself!
Why Railroads Named Towns
During the late 1800s, railroads were expanding rapidly. They often built tracks through new areas. To help their business, railroad companies would sometimes create new towns along their routes. They would sell land, build stations, and even give names to these new settlements. This helped attract people and businesses, which meant more passengers and goods for the trains to carry. Evona was one of these places, getting its name from the railroad that passed through.
The Post Office: A Lifeline for Early Evona
Just one year after Evona was platted, in 1880, a post office was opened there. In those days, a post office was much more than just a place to send letters. It was a vital center for the community.
- It was where people received news from far away.
- It connected families and friends through letters.
- It allowed businesses to send and receive important documents.
- It often served as a meeting spot for residents.
The post office in Evona stayed open for many years, serving the community until 1935.
Changes Over Time
The closing of the post office in 1935 marked a change for Evona. As roads improved and cars became more common, people didn't rely on railroads and local post offices as much. Smaller communities like Evona often saw their populations shrink as people moved to larger towns or cities for work and opportunities. Today, Evona remains an unincorporated community, a quiet reminder of its railroad beginnings in Gentry County.
