Possum Trot, Missouri facts for kids

Possum Trot was once a small town in the northeastern part of Stone County, Missouri, in the United States. It is located about 5.5 miles (8.85 km) southwest of a town called Nixa, right along Missouri Route M. Today, you won't find much left of Possum Trot. Only the old Fairview school building and one house remain. The Fairview school was a simple one-room schoolhouse. It taught students from first to eighth grade and was often called the Possum Trot School by local people.

What Was Possum Trot?

Possum Trot was a small community that existed in Missouri. It was a place where people lived and worked. Over time, like many small towns, it became less populated. Now, it is considered a "former town" or a "ghost town."

The General Store and Early Settlers

In the early 1900s, a general store was an important part of the Possum Trot community. This store was run by the family members of Jackson B. and Emma Stewart Wilson. Specifically, William Jasper Wilson and his brother John Washington Wilson managed it. A general store was a place where people could buy almost anything they needed. It was often the heart of a small community. Part of this area was also known by another name, "Self."

Why Do Towns Become Ghost Towns?

Sometimes, towns become "ghost towns" when people move away. This can happen for many reasons. Jobs might disappear, or new roads might bypass the town. When a town loses its people, buildings are left empty. Eventually, only a few signs of the town remain, like the old school in Possum Trot.