Radical, Missouri facts for kids

Radical was once a small town in Stone County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. Today, it's known as an "extinct town" or a ghost town, meaning people no longer live there. It's listed as a "populated place" by the GNIS (Geographic Names Information System), which keeps track of places in the U.S.

What Was the Town of Radical?

Radical was a community that existed for many years before its residents moved away, leaving it empty. When a town becomes "extinct," it means it's no longer an active place where people live and work. Sometimes, these places are called ghost towns because they are quiet and deserted.

A Look at Radical's History

The town of Radical had its own post office, which is a sign that it was once a busy place. The post office first opened in 1878. It served the community for many years, helping people send and receive letters and packages. However, like many small towns, Radical eventually saw its population decline. The post office closed its doors in 1944, marking a time when fewer and fewer people lived there.

Why Was It Called Radical?

The name "Radical" might sound unusual for a town! It was chosen because many of the first people who settled there had strong political beliefs. They were known as Radical Republicans. In politics, being "radical" means you want big, fast changes to how things are done. These early settlers had very firm ideas about what they believed was right for the country, and they weren't afraid to push for those changes. So, the town's name reflected the strong opinions of its first residents.