Motor, Iowa, Appanoose County is a ghost town with a rich history that whispers tales of the past to those who seek the freedom of exploration. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Appanoose County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: Approximate coordinates are 40.6842° N, 92.9605° W
Elevation: Approximately 1,004 feet (306 meters)
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CST)
Established: Not available
Disestablished: Not available
Comments: Motor, Iowa, was once a bustling community that thrived during its peak. Like many other small towns, it faced economic challenges over time that led to its decline. The shifting patterns of transportation and industry contributed to its eventual abandonment, leaving behind echoes of a bygone era.
Remains: The motor’s remains are sparse, with few physical structures left standing. Visitors may find remnants of foundations and scattered artifacts that hint at the life that once was. The surrounding landscape has reclaimed much of the area, offering a serene yet haunting reminder of the town’s history.
Current Status: As a ghost town, Motor is not an inhabited community. It remains an area of historical interest for those who enjoy exploring remnants of the past and imagining the stories of the people who once lived there.
Remarks: Motor reflects the transient nature of human settlements and the ever-changing dynamics of rural America. While it may not offer the grandeur of larger historical sites, its quiet presence invites introspection and a deeper appreciation for communities’ resilience and the inevitability of change.
A narrow-gauge railway was completed within 4 miles (6.4 km) of Motor in 1874. A station house was built, a station agent was hired, and the track was scheduled to be laid in 1875, but a flood wiped out the ties, and the railroad never made it to Motor.
Chinch bugs wiped out the local wheat crop, and local farmers moved on to other crops. Because of that, the mill closed in 1882. The partnership that built the town dissolved, and the district court auctioned the property in 1891.
Louis Klink bought the property in 1903. He sold the mill machinery and used the buildings for his farm operation. The property remained in the family for 80 years. The Clayton County Conservation Board acquired the property in 1983.
The area is now a 155-acre (63 ha) park with hiking trails, a primitive campground, and a place to launch canoes. It is part of the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area.
