Norman, Missouri facts for kids

Norman was once a small town located in southeastern Phelps County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. Today, it is known as an extinct town, which means it's a place where people used to live and work, but now almost no one does. These kinds of places are often called "ghost towns."

What is a Ghost Town?

A ghost town is a place that was once a lively community but has since been mostly or completely abandoned. Imagine a town where houses are empty, stores are closed, and streets are quiet. That's a ghost town!

Why Towns Become Ghost Towns

Towns can become ghost towns for many reasons. Sometimes, the main reason people lived there, like a mine or a factory, closes down. When the jobs disappear, people move away to find work somewhere else. Other times, new roads or railways are built that bypass the town, making it harder for businesses to thrive. Natural disasters or changes in the environment can also cause people to leave.

The Story of Norman

Norman was a small community, and its name came from a local family who lived in the area. Like many small towns, it had a post office, which was a very important place for people to send and receive letters and packages.

Norman's Post Office

The post office in Norman first opened its doors in 1888. It served the community for many years, helping people stay connected. However, as time went on and the town likely saw fewer residents, the post office eventually closed in 1926. The closing of a post office often signals that a town is shrinking or that people are moving away.