Ghost Town Stretch Beyond Springfield, Missouri
Embarking westward from Springfield, Missouri, along the historic Route 66, travelers are treated to a captivating journey through time. This scenic segment of the Mother Road offers a glimpse into the past, revealing remnants of a bygone era along a stretch of pavement that whispers tales of a vibrant past. This region, a ghost town stretch beyond Springfield, Missouri, invites exploration and reflection.
The history of this area is deeply intertwined with the evolution of transportation in the region. Before the iconic Route 66 was established, this route served as the Springfield to Carthage stagecoach road, facilitating commerce and connection between the two cities. As automobiles gained popularity in the early 20th century, the need for improved roadways became apparent. In 1915, the Ozark Trail was developed, spanning a significant distance from St. Louis, Missouri, through Oklahoma, Texas, and ultimately reaching Romeroville, New Mexico, where it intersected with the historic Old Santa Fe Trail. This network of trails and roads laid the foundation for what would become a crucial part of American transportation history.
The establishment of Route 66 in 1926 marked a significant turning point for the region. The existing Ozark Trail was incorporated as the new alignment between Springfield and Carthage, breathing new life into the towns along the way. Communities such as Halltown, Paris Springs Junction, Spencer, and Avilla experienced a surge in prosperity as the new highway brought increased traffic and economic opportunities. These towns flourished, becoming vibrant hubs of activity along the bustling Mother Road. This ghost town stretch beyond Springfield, Missouri once pulsed with life and commerce, now a memory etched in the landscape.
However, the fortunes of these towns took a turn in 1961 when portions of the old road between Spencer and Paris Springs were realigned in anticipation of the construction of Interstate-44. This realignment was a major blow to the communities that relied on Route 66 for their economic survival. The towns fought fiercely to retain the designation of US 66, even threatening legal action. Despite their efforts, highway officials ultimately decided to build the new four-lane highway farther south, bypassing these towns entirely. By 1965, all of these communities were effectively cut off from the main artery of transportation, leading to their gradual decline. This ghost town stretch beyond Springfield, Missouri stands as a reminder of the impact of progress on small communities.
While large farms and ranches continue to dot the landscape along this old road, the glory days of this slice of highway are long gone. Many of the settlements that once thrived here have either become ghost towns or vanished altogether. The legacy of Route 66 remains, however, in the weathered buildings, abandoned storefronts, and quiet cemeteries that mark the path of the Mother Road. The area has transformed into a ghost town stretch beyond Springfield, Missouri.
Yeakley is Gone Today
As Route 66 winds westward from Springfield, now designated as Missouri Highway 266, it traverses the rolling hills that characterize the western edge of the Ozark Plateau. A short distance from the city, travelers encounter the Yeakley Cemetery, one of the oldest burial grounds along Route 66, established in 1852. This solemn site is named after Thomas Yeakley, a prominent local farmer and rancher. The cemetery is also home to the Yeakley Chapel, built in 1887, which continues to hold services to this day.
The town of Yeakley, which once stood near the cemetery and chapel, had a post office and a population of around 30 people in the late 19th century. Today, however, the town is gone, leaving behind only the church and cemetery as silent witnesses to its past. The absence of Yeakley underscores the ephemeral nature of communities that once thrived along Route 66. The forgotten town contributes to the ambiance of the ghost town stretch beyond Springfield, Missouri.
The Ghost Town of Plano
Continuing along Route 66, travelers reach the junction of Missouri 266 and Farm Road 45, the former site of Plano, Missouri. Today, only two buildings remain from the era before Route 66. These structures stand as haunting reminders of a once-bustling community.
On the northwest corner of the intersection, a crumbling stone building stands as a testament to the area’s rich history. The building’s weathered appearance suggests that it may have survived several of Missouri’s Civil War battles when this old route was known as the "Wire Road." This strategic path connected St. Louis to Fort Smith, Arkansas, playing a crucial role in the conflict. The limestone building was constructed by John Jackson and his family, using native materials. The first floor housed a general store managed by Jackson’s son and two daughters, while the second floor served as the family’s living quarters and a large room used for meetings, dances, and church services.
The history of this building is often confused with that of a mortuary and casket factory that was later built in a wooden structure across the street. However, that building no longer stands, leaving the stone building as the primary historical landmark in Plano.
On the southeast corner of the crossroads, a rock building once served as a Tydol gas station and store. Today, it is a private residence, its original purpose long forgotten. When Interstate 44 replaced Route 66, Plano suffered a fatal blow, leading to its decline and eventual abandonment. Plano is now a significant landmark in the ghost town stretch beyond Springfield, Missouri.
As the old road continues, it meanders over gently sloping hills before reaching Halltown, another community that has experienced the impact of changing transportation patterns. These communities, scattered along the ghost town stretch beyond Springfield, Missouri, offer a poignant reminder of the past and the enduring legacy of Route 66.
The journey through this stretch of Route 66 is not just a drive through the countryside; it is a journey through time. It is a chance to connect with the history of the region and to appreciate the resilience of the communities that once thrived along the Mother Road. While many of these towns may be shadows of their former selves, their stories continue to resonate, reminding us of the importance of preserving our heritage and understanding the forces that shape our world.