Tagus, North Dakota facts for kids
Tagus is a ghost town in Mountrail County, North Dakota. A ghost town is a place where most people have left, and many buildings are empty. Tagus is located about 40 miles west of Minot. It sits along the main train route of the Great Northern Railway.
Contents
The Story of Tagus
How Tagus Began
The town of Tagus started in 1900. It was first called Wallace. However, people changed its name to Tagus. This was to avoid confusion with another town named Wallace, Idaho. Tagus officially became a town in 1908.
What Happened to Tagus?
Tagus grew over time. In 1940, it had its largest population with 140 people living there. But after that, the number of residents started to drop. By 1970, only 14 people lived in Tagus. The last business in town closed in 1976. After this, Tagus was no longer an official town.
Today, Tagus is mostly abandoned. There are only a few people who still live there. Many buildings are empty. In 2001, the only church left in Tagus was destroyed by fire. Local people believe this fire was caused by vandalism. A special memorial plaque now marks the spot where the church once stood.
Weather in Tagus
Understanding the Climate
Tagus has a type of weather called a humid continental climate. This means the area has big changes in temperature throughout the year. Summers are usually warm to hot, and they can sometimes feel humid. Winters are cold, and they can be very cold at times.
Getting Around
Train Travel
The Amtrak train called the Empire Builder passes through Tagus. This train travels between Seattle or Portland and Chicago. However, the train does not stop in Tagus. The closest train station is in Stanley. Stanley is about 22 miles west of Tagus.
