MISSOURI LEGENDS

Ghost Stretch Beyond Springfield

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After leaving Springfield, Missouri on old Route 66, you’ll drive through a scenic stretch of the Mother Road on your way to Carthage that provides numerous peeks at the past along this almost abandoned piece of payment. Though still populated by large farms and ranches, the old towns along this slice of the highway have long passed their prime when I-44 barreled through. Though some of the settlements along this section still have a few people living in them, almost every one of the dozen or so towns that once thrived here, have long since become ghost towns or don't

exist at any more. 

Old Route 66 meanders westward out of Springfield on Missouri Highway 266 through rolling hills that are situated along the western edge of the Ozark Plateau.

Within a few short miles, you'll come to what must be one of the oldest cemeteries on Route 66 - the Yeakley Cemetery, established in 1852.

The Yeakley Chapel has been standing since 1887

 and continues to serve congregations today.

 Kathy Weiser, September, 2007.

Halltown, which was founded in the 1870's when George Hall opened one of the first stores in the area. In 1879 the post office was established and named after Mr. Hall. During Route 66’ heydays, the town supported almost 20 businesses including three grocery stores, a drugstore, a blacksmith shop, service station, garage, and a variety store. In fact, business was so good during those days that Halltown was known as the "Antique Capital of the World."

Today, Halltown exudes small town charm in its few surviving businesses. But, mostly, it’s boarded up stores sit quiet in this small town populated with  farmers and Springfield commuters. One store that remains open is Whitehall Mercantile, providing a treasure trove of antiques and collectibles displayed from floor to ceiling in this long standing building. First built in 1900 as a grocery and general store, the false front mercantile, complete with stone foundation and wooden porch, provides a rich view of the past in both its building and its merchandise.

Whitehall Mercantile in Halltown, Missouri.

Kathy Weiser, September, 2007.

This image available for photographic prints and

 downloads HERE!

Other historic buildings include the 1930 Las Vegas Hotel and Barber Shop, the old Hamilton Brown Shoe Company, and several other old buildings.

While covering the next three scenic miles to Paris Spring Junction look for the 1923 Billies Creek Bridge, as well as the remains of an old station on the side of the road.

Continued Next Page

This building was once a livery, today it looks as if its used for storage, Kathy Weiser, September, 2007.

This image available for photographic prints and

 downloads HERE!

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From the Rocky Mountain General Store

Photo Print Shop - Travel the trails of the American West with our many photographs!  Just take a look at our galleries or purchase prints at very reasonable prices!  Here you'll see photographs of Route 66, ghost towns, scenic and historic views, and roadside stops.