Off the Map: Abandoned and Disappearing Towns Around Iowa

Thousands of towns and communities were established during Iowa’s pioneer and railroad era. Many existed for a few years, some slowly faded away over time, and a few never existed except as “paper” towns.

Regardless of why they originated or why they diminished, each community has its own unique story. Take a tour around Iowa exploring a sampling of these idiosyncratic communities in photographs and stories.

This event is presented by Rosa Snyder and sponsored by Humanities Iowa.