Macyville, Kansas facts for kids
Macyville is a fascinating place in Cloud County, Kansas, United States. It's known as a ghost town, which means it was once a busy community but now has very few, if any, people living there.
Contents
What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a place where people used to live and work, but for some reason, everyone or almost everyone moved away. This can happen for many reasons, like a local mine closing, a railroad changing its route, or even a natural disaster. When people leave, the buildings and streets are often left empty, making the town feel "ghostly."
Why Towns Become Ghost Towns
Towns can become ghost towns for several reasons. Sometimes, the main industry that supported the town, like mining or farming, might disappear. Other times, new roads or railways might bypass the town, making it harder for people to travel there or transport goods.
History of Macyville
Macyville has a short but interesting history. It started out with a different name and served as an important stop for people living in the area.
Early Days as Ten Mile
The community of Macyville first got its start in 1871. Back then, it wasn't called Macyville at all! Its original name was Ten Mile. This name might have come from its distance from another town or a local landmark.
The Post Office's Role
The most important building in Ten Mile was its post office. A post office was vital for communities in the past because it was the main way people sent and received letters, news, and packages. It connected them to the rest of the world.
How Macyville Got Its Name
The town's name changed from Ten Mile to Macyville because of its first postmaster. A postmaster is the person in charge of a post office. The first postmaster in this community was a man named George W. Macy. The town was named in his honor.
When the Post Office Closed
The Macyville post office operated for many years, helping the community stay connected. However, in 1905, the post office was officially closed down. When a post office closes, it often means that fewer people are living in the area, or that mail services are now handled by a larger nearby town. This closure was a big step towards Macyville becoming the ghost town it is today.
