Few People Realize How Much Mining History Is Preserved In The Small Town Of Granby, Missouri
Missouri’s small towns and cities are bursting with history. There’s one small town in Missouri, in fact, that’s perhaps best known for its long and storied mining history. While the mines have long since closed, this Missouri town still honors its past, making it well worth a visit.
While it’s technically a city, the historic town of Granby, population of just over 2,000, has all of the hallmarks of a small town – from its small-town friendliness to its quaint charm.
Perhaps best known for its rich mining history, the former mining town’s history began way back in 1850 when a resident, Madison Vickery, had unknowingly discovered Galena ore. He shared his discovery with William Foster.
That led to the founding of the first mine that would draw thousands of miners to Granby from all over the country. In fact, the arrival of countless miners to Granby by 1852 became known as the “Granby Stampede.”
By the end of the decade, the population in Granby would swell to well over 8,000 residents. Many were, in one way or another, associated with the Granby Mining and Smelting Company, which smelt lead.
The mining industry dominated this small Missouri city for decades until, in the 1950s, most of the ore had already been mined. As a result, Granby transformed into a sleepy town, largely home to retirees.
While its mining days are now long gone, Granby stills honors its rich past at the Granby Miners Museum. The museum has preserved the city’s rich history through photographs, newspaper clippings, mining equipment, and tools.
A visit to the museum is a must when you visit Granby. However, make sure you call ahead of time as the museum currently operates on an appointment-only basis.
Have you been to this small town in Missouri? Did you visit the mining museum? Share your experience in the comments. If you’re a fan of history, take a peek at these eight shocking things you had no idea happened in Missouri.
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Address: Granby, MO 64844, USA
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