Shell City, Minnesota facts for kids

Shell City is a place in Minnesota, United States, that used to be a town but is now empty. It's often called a ghost town. You can find its old location in Shell River Township, which is in Wadena County.

Discovering Shell City's Past

The story of Shell City began in 1879. A man named William E. Kindred started a post office there. At first, this small settlement was even named after him, called Kindred.

How Shell City Got Its Name

Just a few years later, in 1881, the land where the town was located changed hands. Francis M. Yoder and Sewall Chandler bought the area. They decided to give the place a new name. In 1882, it officially became known as Shell City.

Why Shell City Became a Ghost Town

People hoped Shell City would grow into a busy, thriving town. However, things did not go as planned. The town never really developed much. Because it didn't grow, the post office eventually closed down in 1901. Without a post office and new people moving in, the town slowly became empty.

What Remains of Shell City Today

Today, there isn't much left of the original Shell City. You won't find many buildings standing. However, a few places still carry its name. There's a cemetery, a campground, and a horse camp in the area. These are the only clues that tell us where Shell City once stood.