Minden, Lawrence County, Missouri facts for kids

Minden is a fascinating place in Lawrence County, Missouri, in the United States. It is known as a ghost town. This means it was once a busy community, but over time, most or all of its residents moved away. They left behind empty buildings or just traces of what used to be there.

What is a Ghost Town?

A ghost town is a place that was once a lively settlement. People lived and worked there, and businesses thrived. But for various reasons, like a mine closing or a railroad moving, people left. The town then becomes mostly or completely deserted. These towns often hold many historical secrets.

Minden's Past: The Post Office

One important sign that Minden was once an active community is its post office. Minden had a post office from 1860 to 1873. A post office was a vital part of any town. It allowed people to send and receive letters and packages. It also connected the community to the rest of the world. When the post office closed, it often meant the town was shrinking.

Finding Minden: Historical Records

Even though Minden is a ghost town, we can still find information about it. The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) helps us do this. GNIS is like a big database of place names in the United States. It keeps records of towns, schools, and other features.

Minden School (Historical)

GNIS has a record for "Minden School (historical)". This shows that there was once a school in Minden. Its exact location is recorded using special coordinates. These coordinates are like a precise address on a map. They help historians and researchers find where the school once stood.

Minden Post Office (Historical)

GNIS also lists the "Minden Post Office (historical)". However, its exact location is listed as "unknown". This means that while we know a post office existed, its precise spot within the old town is not clear from the records. This adds to the mystery of Minden's past.