Himmel, Missouri facts for kids

Himmel was once a small community in Stoddard County, Missouri, in the U.S. state of Missouri. Today, it is considered an extinct town or a ghost town, meaning it no longer exists as an active settlement.

What Was Himmel?

Himmel was a tiny community that appeared on maps for only a short time. It was located in Stoddard County, Missouri, which is in the southeastern part of Missouri. Many small towns like Himmel grew up around specific industries, like farming or logging, and then faded away when those industries changed.

A Short-Lived Post Office

One of the main signs that Himmel was once a community was its own post office. A post office named Himmel opened its doors in 1920. This would have been an important place for people living nearby to send and receive letters and packages. However, the post office did not stay open for very long. It closed just three years later, in 1923. This short lifespan suggests that the community itself was very small or that people moved away quickly.

How Himmel Got Its Name

The name "Himmel" came from a person named I. Himmelberger. He was a businessperson who worked in the local lumber industry. It was common for communities or places to be named after important people or families who lived or worked there, especially those involved in local businesses like lumber.

Why Did Himmel Disappear?

Many small towns in the United States, especially those that were not very large, eventually disappear. This can happen for several reasons. Sometimes, the main industry that supported the town, like lumber in Himmel's case, might decline or move elsewhere. People might also move to larger towns or cities for better jobs or opportunities. When a town's post office closes, it's often a sign that the community is shrinking or no longer active.