Upola, Kansas facts for kids

Upola is a fascinating place in Elk County, Kansas, United States. It's known as a ghost town. A ghost town is a place where most or all people have left, and buildings are often empty or falling apart. It's like a town that used to be busy but is now very quiet.

What is a Ghost Town?

A ghost town is a town that has been mostly or completely abandoned. This can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, a town grows because of a specific industry, like mining. If the mine closes, people might move away to find new jobs. Other times, changes in transportation, like new roads or railways, can make a town less important. Natural disasters or economic problems can also cause people to leave.

Upola's Story: A Brief History

Upola was once a small community. It even had its own post office. A post office is a place where people can send and receive mail. The post office in Upola opened its doors in the year 1887. This means people living there could send letters to friends and family far away. They could also get mail delivered right to their town.

However, the post office did not stay open forever. It continued to serve the community for many years. But in 1909, the post office was closed down. This often happens when a town's population gets smaller. When there are not enough people to use the services, places like post offices might close. After the post office closed, more people likely moved away, turning Upola into the ghost town it is today.