Missouri boasts numerous historical and cultural attractions, including some hidden and mysterious places. Among these is Times Beach, once a thriving summer resort turned ghost town due to toxic contamination in the 1980s. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history, tragedy, and legacy of Times Beach—the forgotten ghost town of Missouri.
The Rise and Fall of Times Beach
Founded in 1925 on the Meramec River’s floodplain southwest of St. Louis, Times Beach aimed to attract summer homeowners. Advertised by the St. Louis Star-Times newspaper, the town faced challenges like flooding, small and poorly maintained lots, and reduced demand during the Great Depression and World War II. By 1970, Times Beach housed mostly low-income residents, totaling 1,240.
In the early 1970s, the town hired Russell Bliss, a waste oil hauler, to suppress dust on dirt roads using oil from a chemical company that had produced Agent Orange. Unbeknownst to Bliss, the oil was contaminated with dioxin, a highly toxic compound. Bliss sprayed around 2,000 gallons of this dioxin-laced oil, endangering residents, animals, and the environment.
The contamination came to light in 1982 when the EPA found extremely high dioxin levels in soil samples, prompting evacuation. A massive flood in December 1982 forced most residents to abandon their homes. By 1985, the town was disincorporated, and the government demolished buildings after buying out properties.
The Aftermath and the Transformation of Times Beach
Cleanup cost $200 million, taking over a decade. The EPA incinerated 265,000 tons of contaminated soil and debris, restoring the site with clean soil and vegetation. In 2001, the EPA declared Times Beach safe and removed it from the Superfund list.
In 1999, Missouri opened Route 66 State Park, a 419-acre park on the former Times Beach site. It commemorates the history and culture of Route 66, featuring a visitor center, museum, gift shop, picnic areas, trails, and a boat ramp. The park preserves remnants of Times Beach, such as the old bridge, road signs, and the town’s flag.
The park hosts events like car shows, bike rides, concerts, and festivals, attracting thousands yearly. It stands as a testament to Times Beach’s resilience, recovery, and honors its former residents.
Conclusion
Times Beach, a hidden gem in Missouri, tells a tale of a town’s rise and fall, a community’s tragedy and triumph, and a land’s transformation and redemption. It’s a place weaving together history, ecology, and culture—a locale deserving remembrance.