Pardee, Kansas facts for kids

Pardee is what we call a ghost town in Atchison County, Kansas, United States. A ghost town is a place where people used to live and work, but now it's mostly empty, with old buildings and streets that tell stories of the past.

What is a Ghost Town?

A ghost town is like a quiet echo of a community that once thrived. People usually leave these towns because the main reason they were there disappears. Maybe a mine closed, a railroad moved, or farming became too difficult. When everyone leaves, the town becomes "ghostly" – not because of actual ghosts, but because it's deserted and silent.

History of Pardee

Pardee was officially started, or platted, in 1857. It was named after an important local person named Pardee Butler.

Who Was Pardee Butler?

Pardee Butler was a reverend, which means he was a religious leader. He was also a strong abolitionist. In the 1800s, an abolitionist was someone who believed that slavery was wrong and worked to end it. This was a very important and often dangerous belief in the years leading up to the American Civil War. Kansas was a key place where people with different views on slavery often clashed.

Life in Early Pardee

Life in Pardee began with hope. A post office was opened there in 1858. A post office was a very important part of any town back then. It connected people to the outside world, allowing them to send and receive letters and news.

Why Pardee Became a Ghost Town

The post office in Pardee stayed open for many years, but it was finally closed in 1903. When a town's post office closes, it's often a sign that fewer and fewer people are living there. Over time, as people moved away for better opportunities or because the local economy changed, Pardee slowly became a ghost town. Today, it stands as a reminder of the early days of Kansas and the communities that once dotted the landscape.