Thedailymiaminews– There is no denying the appeal that abandoned sites possess. They provide a quiet testimony to a moment that has long since past, reciting stories of a period that has long since passed. These vestiges of the past have a one-of-a-kind allure, a melancholy beauty that beckons those who are interested and daring. These remnants range from abandoned military outposts to mining villages that have seen better days. Arlington, a ghost town that once thrived along the renowned Route 66, is the destination of our journey today. This has been a place that has been swallowed up by time, a jewel that has been forgotten and hidden among the rolling hills of Missouri.
What was Arlington’s Golden Age?
The year 1867 marked the beginning of the establishment of Arlington, which is located in Phelps County, Missouri, on the banks of the Gasconade River. With the introduction of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railway in the late 1880s, Arlington’s fortunes underwent a dramatic transformation. Initially, the settlement was comprised of a small farming hamlet. The arrival of the train brought with it a large number of tourists who were looking for a short-term escape from the hectic pace of city life. The town of Arlington quickly became a well-known vacation destination as a result of its closeness to the Gasconade River and the natural beauty of its surroundings.
In order to properly accommodate the ever-increasing number of tourists, hotels and boarding houses came into existence. At the same time that saloons and restaurants offered guests entertainment and refreshments, general stores sold provisions for those who came to visit. The river was the focal point of life in Arlington in the past. Those who were looking for a revitalizing plunge in the cool waters of the Gasconade could take advantage of the town’s bathhouse, which was located in the town. Other popular activities included swimming, fishing, and boating.
The introduction of Route 66 in Arlington in the 1920s further cemented the city’s position as a flourishing tourist attraction. In addition to being referred to as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 became a national artery since it connected Chicago to Los Angeles and attracted a large number of people who were looking for an adventure and an escape. Because of its gorgeous setting and easy services, Arlington quickly became a popular place for tired travelers to make a stopover. Along the roadway, there were gas stations, restaurants, and souvenir stores that catered to the requirements of the people who traveled along Route 66.
Arlington’s Rapid Fall from Power
However, the wealth that Arlington enjoyed was not meant to stay for very long. One of the most significant turning points occurred in the late 1950s when Interstate 44 was being built. For the sake of maximizing speed and efficiency, Interstate 44 was constructed to circumvent villages such as Arlington, so depriving them of the traffic that was their lifeblood, which was Route 66. Businesses along Route 66 started to suffer as a result of the shift in tourists’ preference for the more expedient freeway. The same could be said for Arlington.
Businesses in Arlington began to struggle as a result of a decrease in the number of guests that stopped by. Businesses, one by one, shut their doors, and hotels were left vacant as time went on. From time to time, the once lively town started to take on the appearance of an abandoned movie set. As a result of enterprises leaving the area, the population continued to decrease. As a result of the limited economic options available, residents began to relocate in pursuit of employment opportunities elsewhere.
When the 1960s came to a close, Arlington had become a mere shadow of its former self. The once-thriving village had become a ghost town as a result of the closure of the majority of the remaining enterprises. In a gradual manner, nature started to restore its control. Buildings, which were once bustling with activity and laughter, have become silent sentinels, with their windows acting as if they were empty eyes peering out at the world that is passing by. The walls were gradually covered in vegetation, and the unrelenting passage of time started to leave its imprint on the structures that Arlington had once been so proud of.
Take a Peek into the Past: Arlington in the Present Day
In spite of the fact that it is currently uninhabited, Arlington nonetheless possesses a certain allure in the present day. Those who are interested in urban exploration and photography will find that the abandoned town provides a window into a bygone age. It is the relics of shops, with their faded signage still clinging to the worn façade, that tell stories of dreams that have been forgotten and times that were simpler. The artistic prowess of nature is on full display, as evidenced by the fact that trees are pushing their way through damaged pavement and vines are climbing through windows. The eerie beauty of the town serves as a source of inspiration for photographers, who are able to capture the spirit of decay and the passage of time in their photographs.
In spite of the fact that Arlington’s future is still unknown, there are currently efforts being made to preserve its relics and recognize the historical value of the city. Both local historical groups and people who are passionate about Route 66 acknowledge the significance of Arlington as a physical connection to the history of Route 66 and the state of Missouri. In order to document the history of the town and to determine possible strategies to preserve the structures that are still standing, efforts are now being made. There is even the potential that Arlington might undergo a partial revival, which would involve changing it into a historical site or a living museum that would represent the era of Route 66 that has been lost.
Final Thoughts
Within the state of Missouri, the town of Arlington serves as a striking illustration of the fleeting nature of success. It was once a vibrant town that was brimming with life, but now it is a mute witness to the shifting tides of progress. However, because it has been abandoned, Arlington provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to forge a connection with the past and to recognize the significance of history. We are reminded by its narrative of the significance of remembering places that have been forgotten and the lessons that they contain.
Arlington is just one of the many different ghost towns that can be found around the state of Missouri, each of which has its own fascinating history to share. A insight into the varied history of the state can be gained by visiting these abandoned communities, which range from railroad settlements that were bypassed by development to mining towns that were devastated by the depletion of resources. Exploring these abandoned cities may be a wonderful experience because it gives us the opportunity to connect with the past, appreciate the inventiveness and resiliency of our forebears, and reflect on the ever-changing landscape of human civilization.
Therefore, the next time you find yourself in the state of Missouri, you should think about going off the usual road and exploring one of the numerous towns that have been forgotten. It is possible that you will come across a little-known treasure, a quiet storyteller who is simply waiting to reveal its secrets.