McDonald, Missouri facts for kids

McDonald was once a small town in Barry County, Missouri. Today, it is known as an "extinct town" or a ghost town, meaning it no longer exists as a populated place. Long ago, McDonald even served as the main government center, or county seat, for Barry County.

What Was McDonald?

McDonald was a community that has since disappeared. Towns like McDonald often become ghost towns when people move away, perhaps because a local industry closed or new transportation routes bypassed them. These places offer a glimpse into the past and how communities grew and changed over time.

A Brief History

The town of McDonald was officially planned and marked out in 1841. It was given its name to honor a family of early settlers who lived in the area. Before the town was even laid out, a post office was opened in McDonald in 1840. This post office helped people send and receive letters and packages. It continued to operate for several years, finally closing its doors in 1854. After the post office closed, the town slowly faded away, becoming the ghost town it is today.