Mapes, North Dakota, was once a town bustling with life and activity, numerous businesses and a thriving community. Founded in 1883 by Emery Mapes, the town grew rapidly, with schools, hotels, and churches being established to cater to the population’s needs.
However, the town’s fortunes worsened when people began to move away to bigger towns where the train stopped. The decline was further exacerbated by a series of fires that destroyed much of the town, leaving only a few buildings standing.
Today, Mapes is a ghost town, with only two families and a total of eight people calling it home.
The history of Mapes is a fascinating tale of a once-thriving community reduced to a deserted one. The story of Mapes serves as a testament to the rise and fall of towns and cities, and the factors that contribute to their success or failure.
In this article, we will delve deeper into Mapes’s history, its foundation, the businesses and infrastructure that helped it flourish, and its current status as a ghost town. Through this exploration, we hope to better understand the forces that shape the fates of towns and the people who inhabit them.
Key Takeaways
- Mapes, North Dakota was founded in 1883 by Emery Mapes and was once a prosperous town with schools, hotels, churches, and various businesses.
- The decline of Mapes was due to people moving away to bigger towns with better transportation infrastructure and economic opportunities, as well as a series of fires that destroyed much of the town.
- Today, Mapes is a ghost town with only two families and a total of eight people living there. Revitalization efforts have been made, but with limited success due to the small population and lack of resources.
- The reasons for Mapes’ abandonment are complex and multifaceted, but can be attributed to the lack of job opportunities, basic amenities, a train station, and the town’s isolation. Despite this, Mapes’ history and legacy continue to live on through the remaining residents and memories of those who once called it home.
History and Foundation
The town of Mapes was founded by Emery Mapes in 1883 and once boasted numerous businesses and establishments. However, the town declined and became a ghost town as residents left to pursue more prosperous opportunities in larger towns and farms.
Despite its initial success, the town’s population steadily declined over time due to various factors. One reason for the abandonment of Mapes was the lack of transportation infrastructure. Once the train stopped coming to the town, residents found it increasingly difficult to travel and access goods and services. As a result, many people left Mapes for larger towns with better transportation networks.
Another reason for the decline in population was the lack of economic opportunities. Many businesses in Mapes, such as the creamery, cheese manufacturing shop, and hotels, depended on the town’s population to sustain them. When residents began to leave, these businesses became increasingly difficult to operate and eventually closed down. This, in turn, led to further population decline as people left in search of better job opportunities.
Ultimately, combining these factors led to the once-thriving town of Mapes becoming a ghost town with only a handful remaining residents.
“Mapes was founded in 1882 by Emory Mapes. Born September 24, 1853, in Aurora, Illinois. After attending Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin, Emory Mapes moved to Rochester, Minnesota in 1874 where he worked as a store clerk and wed Emma Allen. Mapes eventually removed his family to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where he grew connected with the milling industry.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mapes,_North_Dakota
Businesses and Infrastructure
During its heyday, Mapes established many businesses and infrastructure. The town had a creamery, cheese manufacturing shop, hotels, dry goods store, elevator, livery, garage and repair shop, restaurants, and churches. These businesses served the local community and contributed to Mapes’s growth and prosperity.
However, as people moved away from the town, many of these businesses were forced to close down. Today, only a few remains of these establishments can be seen as a reminder of the town’s past glory.
Mapes has not been entirely forgotten despite being reduced to a ghost town. Revitalization efforts have been made to bring life back to the town. However, these efforts have been met with limited success due to the small population and lack of resources.
Today, only two families with a total of eight people live in Mapes. The impact of the town’s decline on its community members has been significant, as many have had to move away to seek better opportunities. Nevertheless, the remaining residents of Mapes continue to preserve their town’s history and culture, hoping it will rise from its ghost status one day.
Current Status
Despite the dwindling population and limited resources, the remaining residents of Mapes continue to hold on to their heritage, much like the last remaining tree in a forest that a wildfire has decimated.
Today, only two families with an estimated total of eight people still live in the once-prosperous town.
The population decline can be attributed to several factors, including the lack of job opportunities, the absence of basic amenities, and the absence of a train station.
The town’s isolation also contributed to its decline as people left to move into bigger towns or farms where they could find more prosperous lives.
The reasons for Mapes’ abandonment are complex and multifaceted.
Some speculate that the town’s demise was due to a combination of natural disasters, economic downturns, and technological advancements.
Regardless of the reasons, Mapes’s current state reminds us of the fleeting nature of prosperity and the importance of preserving history and culture.
While the town may be a ghost town now, its history and legacy live on through the remaining residents and the memories of those who once called it home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fires that destroyed most of the town of Mapes?
Investigation findings regarding the cause of the fires that destroyed most of Mapes are unclear. However, the impact on the local economy was significant, as the destruction of many businesses led to the town’s decline and eventual ghost status.
Are there any plans to restore or revitalize the town of Mapes?
The possibility of restoring or revitalizing Mapes is uncertain due to the lack of community involvement and the economic feasibility of such a project. Further inquiry is necessary to determine potential solutions.
What is the current population of the nearby town of Lakota?
The current population of the nearby town of Lakota is not provided in the given context. However, it is important to note that understanding the current economy and nearby attractions may provide insight into the population and growth of the town.
Are there any notable or famous people born or living in Mapes?
No notable or famous residents of Mapes have been recorded. However, it is possible that the town may have made cultural contributions to the region before it became a ghost town due to its once thriving businesses and community.
What was the primary industry or source of income for residents of Mapes before the town declined?
Agriculture was the primary industry or source of income for residents of Mapes before its economic decline and historical significance. The town had a school, creamery, cheese manufacturing shop, and elevator, which were essential to the agricultural economy.
