Hinkletown, Iowa facts for kids

Hinkletown was once a small town in Keokuk County, Iowa. It existed during the 1800s, a time when many new settlements were growing across the United States. Today, Hinkletown is known as a "ghost town" because no one lives there anymore.

The Story of Hinkletown

Hinkletown was started in 1858. A man named Harmon Hinkle founded the town. He had moved there from a place called Richmond, Iowa.

Early Days and Growth

By 1863, Hinkletown was growing. It had important places like a post office. There was also a blacksmith shop, where people could get metal items made or repaired. A schoolhouse was built for the children. The town also had two lodges, which were like community clubs.

Why Hinkletown Disappeared

The main reason Hinkletown became a ghost town was the railroad. In the 1800s, railroads were very important. They helped towns grow by bringing people and goods.

In 1872, a railroad was built near Hinkletown. But it went south of the town, not through it. Many people decided to move closer to the railroad. They went to a new town called Keota, Iowa.

Then, in 1879, another railroad was planned. The people of Hinkletown tried hard to get it to come through their town. But the railroad bypassed Hinkletown again. This meant the town was left without easy access to the new transportation.

After the second railroad bypassed them, the remaining residents left. They moved to other nearby towns. Some went to Kinross, Iowa, and others to Parnell, Iowa. Some also moved to an area called Green Valley, which was east of North English, Iowa. Without its people, Hinkletown slowly faded away.