Machens, Missouri facts for kids
Machens was once a small community located in St. Charles County, Missouri, in the U.S. state of Missouri. Today, it is considered an extinct town, which means it no longer exists as an active community. Sometimes, places like Machens are called "ghost towns" because most of their buildings are gone, and people no longer live there.
The GNIS (Geographic Names Information System) lists Machens as a "populated place," which means it was officially recognized as a place where people lived at some point.
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What Was Machens?
Machens was a small settlement that played a role in the local history of St. Charles County. While it's no longer a bustling town, its name lives on, especially because of a popular trail.
A Look Back: Machens' History
The community of Machens got its start in the late 1800s. It was likely named after a person important to the area, Andrew Machens, Sr.
The Machens Post Office
A key part of any community is its post office, which helps people send and receive mail. The Machens post office first opened its doors in 1895. It served the local residents for many years, helping them stay connected. However, like many small towns that faded over time, the Machens post office eventually closed in 1956. This often happens when people move away or new roads and transportation make it easier to get mail from larger towns nearby.
The Katy Trail Connection
Even though Machens is no longer an active town, its location is still important today. The eastern end of the famous Katy Trail is found right where Machens used to be. The Katy Trail is a very popular recreational path built on old railroad lines. It's a "rail trail," meaning it follows the path where trains once ran. People from all over come to walk, run, and bike on the Katy Trail, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Missouri. The trail helps keep the memory of places like Machens alive, as it passes through many historic areas.
