Silex, Missouri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Silex, Missouri
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City 4th Class
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| Motto(s):
A Rural City Moving Forward
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Location of Silex, Missouri
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| Country | United States |
| State | Missouri |
| County | Lincoln |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.29 sq mi (0.75 km2) |
| • Land | 0.29 sq mi (0.75 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 505 ft (154 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 24 |
| • Density | 83.33/sq mi (32.14/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
63377
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| Area code(s) | 573 |
| FIPS code | 29-67808 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2399821 |
Silex is a small city in Lincoln County, Missouri, United States. In 2020, the population was 24 people. It is known as a "4th-class city," which is a type of city government in Missouri.
Contents
History of Silex
Silex began in the 1880s when the Northern Hannibal Railway built train tracks through the area. This made it easier to transport goods and people. A post office opened in Silex in 1882.
How Silex Got Its Name
The community was named Silex because of the silicon sand found there. Mining silicon sand was a major activity for the town. The first part of Silex was a bit north of where the "old town" is now. It was right next to the Hannibal Railroad, and many people worked in the silicon mine.
Growing and Moving the Town
As more farmers and settlers came, Silex grew. The town eventually moved to what is now called the "old town" area because it needed more space. The silicon sand mining stopped because the sand wasn't perfect. Most settlers stayed and started farming instead. Silex became a busy place for shopping, trading, and social events.
Some old buildings still show the town's history. One building on Missouri Highway E has the year 1908 carved into it. The Duncan Mansion, a historic home, stands on a bluff overlooking the city. However, many buildings in the original "old town" area are gone because of floods. Silex is surrounded by creeks and a river, which can cause flash flooding.
Silex Today
Recently, Silex has expanded its city limits along Missouri Highway E towards Highway 61. The city plans to grow while keeping its small-town feel. In 2016, the city got its first logo and slogan: "A rural City Moving Forward."
Major Floods in Silex
Silex has faced several big floods over the years. These floods have caused a lot of damage and forced people to move.
The 2008 Flood
In 2008, a major flood hit Silex, forcing most residents to leave their homes. This was a huge challenge for the small town. To help, the town applied for a special grant from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). They received some money to help residents move out of the flood-prone areas.
Some people used the grant money to build new homes in a safer spot. Others even moved their entire houses up a hill to a new area called Stephens Bluff. Moving a whole town was very complicated. It involved removing old, damaged homes and updating city services like water and sewer lines. This project helped keep people safe from future floods.
The 2015 Flood
Before the 2008 flood project was fully finished, Silex was hit by another flood in the spring of 2015. Seven inches of rain fell, causing widespread flooding. City workers had to act fast. The new water tower was struck by lightning, which stopped the pump. All the sewer lift stations and the sewer treatment plant were underwater.
Despite these challenges, city services continued, and only one "boil order" was issued for water safety. The town's Chief of Police and other workers helped out. Some people living just outside of town had to be rescued from their homes by boat. Local resident Johnny Thompson said, "This was the fastest I have ever seen it come up." The 2015 flood was the highest flood ever recorded for Silex. A painting on the back wall of Baragiola Hardware and Lumber reminds people of this event.
Education in Silex
The Silex R-1 School District serves students in Silex and nearby communities. It was started in 1912. Silex has one high school, Silex High School.
Geography of Silex
Silex covers a total area of about 0.75 square kilometers (0.29 square miles), all of which is land. The historic Duncan Mansion is located in Silex.
Population Changes in Silex
The number of people living in Silex has changed over the years. Here's how the population has looked at different times:
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1890 | 151 | — | |
| 1900 | 210 | 39.1% | |
| 1910 | 276 | 31.4% | |
| 1920 | 267 | −3.3% | |
| 1930 | 251 | −6.0% | |
| 1940 | 240 | −4.4% | |
| 1950 | 188 | −21.7% | |
| 1960 | 176 | −6.4% | |
| 1970 | 306 | 73.9% | |
| 1980 | 287 | −6.2% | |
| 1990 | 197 | −31.4% | |
| 2000 | 206 | 4.6% | |
| 2010 | 187 | −9.2% | |
| 2020 | 24 | −87.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Silex Population in 2010
In 2010, there were 187 people living in Silex. Most residents (97.9%) were White, and 2.1% were African American.
The average age in the city was about 38.8 years.
- 22.5% of residents were under 18 years old.
- 10.1% were between 18 and 24 years old.
- 21.4% were between 25 and 44 years old.
- 33.7% were between 45 and 64 years old.
- 12.3% were 65 years or older.
There were slightly more males (51.9%) than females (48.1%) in Silex in 2010.
See also
In Spanish: Silex (Misuri) para niños
