New York, Iowa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
New York, Iowa
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Country | United States |
State | Iowa |
County | Wayne |
Elevation | 1,056 ft (322 m) |
Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
Area code(s) | 641 |
GNIS feature ID | 459496 |
New York was once a small town in Wayne County, Iowa. Today, it is known as a ghost town. This means that almost all the people have left, and few or no buildings remain. You can find its former location at 40°51′06″N 93°15′36″W / 40.85167°N 93.26000°W.
What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a place that used to be a town or city. Over time, most or all of its people moved away. This can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, a local industry closes down. Other times, natural disasters or new roads change things.
When people leave, buildings are often left empty. They might fall apart over time. This makes the town seem "ghostly." New York, Iowa, is one such example.
History of New York, Iowa
The town of New York was named after the state of New York. It was a small community in Iowa. People lived and worked there for many years.
Early Days and Post Office
A post office opened in New York in 1856. A post office was very important back then. It helped people send and receive letters and packages. This was how people stayed connected. The post office was open for many years. It closed down in 1903.
What Was There?
Old maps of New York show that it had some important buildings. There were two churches where people could worship. The town also had a school for children to learn. There were other buildings too, likely homes and shops.
However, none of these original buildings are still standing today. This is why New York is now a ghost town. It reminds us of places that once thrived but are now gone.