Hart, Macon County, Missouri facts for kids

Imagine a town that used to be there, but now it's gone! That's the story of Hart, a small village that once existed in Macon County, Missouri. It was located right along the Santa Fe Railroad, a very important railway line. Hart was also known by another name, Evelyn, which was the name of its local post office.

What is a Ghost Town?

A ghost town is a place that was once a busy community but is now mostly empty or completely abandoned. These towns often become "ghosts" because the main reason people lived there disappeared. For example, a mine might close, or a railroad might change its route.

Where Was Hart Located?

Hart was found in Russell Township, within Macon County. This area is in the state of Missouri, in the central United States. The GNIS (Geographic Names Information System) lists Hart as a "populated place," even though it's no longer active. This means it was officially recognized as a place where people lived.

Life in Hart: The Post Office and Railroad

For a small village like Hart, the post office and railroad were super important.

• The post office, named Evelyn, was opened in 1888. It helped people send and receive letters and packages. This was a vital connection to the outside world.
• The post office stayed open for many years, until 1916.
• Hart also had a railroad depot. A depot is like a train station, where trains stopped to pick up and drop off passengers and goods. The Santa Fe Railroad was a major transportation route, and having a depot meant Hart was connected to bigger towns and cities.

Why Did Hart Disappear?

Many small towns that grew up around railroads or specific industries eventually faded away. For Hart, the closing of the Evelyn post office in 1916 was a big sign of its decline. Without the post office, and perhaps as transportation changed, people likely moved away to find work or better services in larger towns. Over time, Hart became an "extinct village," a reminder of a past era.