Terry, Pemiscot County, Missouri facts for kids

Terry was once a small town located in Pemiscot County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. Today, it is considered an "extinct town" or a "ghost town." This means that people no longer live there, and it has become a place of history rather than a busy community.

What Was Terry?

Terry is officially classified by the GNIS as a "populated place." This classification means it was once a community where people lived, even if it's no longer active. It helps keep track of all the places, both current and historical, across the United States.

Where Was Terry Located?

Terry was situated in Pemiscot County, which is in the southeastern part of Missouri. This area is known for its flat land and was historically important for agriculture.

How Did Terry Get Its Name?

The name "Terry" came from an early settler in the area. His name was Bill Terrett. Over time, the name of the community changed slightly from "Terrett" to "Terry." This often happened with place names as they were spoken and written down.

What is a Ghost Town?

A ghost town is a place that was once a town or city but has since been abandoned. Most or all of its buildings are empty, and few, if any, people live there anymore. These towns often have a quiet, eerie feeling, as if the past residents just vanished.

Why Do Towns Become Ghost Towns?

Towns can become ghost towns for many reasons. Sometimes, the main reason people lived there, like a mine or a factory, closed down. Other times, natural disasters like floods or droughts made it impossible to stay. Changes in transportation, like new roads or railroads bypassing a town, could also cause people to move away. When jobs disappear or life becomes too difficult, people leave to find new opportunities, and the town slowly becomes empty.