Palmer, Missouri facts for kids
Palmer was once a small town in the southwestern part of Washington County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. Today, it is considered a "ghost town," meaning people no longer live there. The area is known for its natural beauty, located along Hazel Creek and within the Mark Twain National Forest.
A Look Back at Palmer's History
Palmer has a long history, dating back to the early 1800s. It was officially planned and mapped out, a process called "platting," in 1830. Before it was known as Palmer, the town had other names.
How Palmer Got Its Name
When the town first started, it was known as "Harmony." It was also sometimes called "Webster." A post office, which helps send mail, was set up in Harmony in 1827. Later, in 1874, the town's name was changed to Palmer. This new name honored Donald McNair Palmer. He was a businessperson who worked in the local mining industry. The post office eventually closed its doors in 1955.
Where Was Palmer Located?
The former town of Palmer is situated right on the banks of Hazel Creek. You can find this area by following Missouri Route Z. Today, the land where Palmer once stood is part of the Hazel Creek Recreation Area. This recreation area is inside the much larger Mark Twain National Forest, a beautiful natural space in Missouri.
