Traveling Through Nebraska: Hastings Ghost Town
Nestled in the heart of Adams County, approximately five miles south of Hastings, lies the remnants of the once-thriving town of Hastings Ghost Town, also known as Altman or Altman Station. Located near the intersection of South Altman Avenue and North Front Avenue in Hastings, this forgotten settlement boasts a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The town, initially known as Altman Station, was named after Daniel Altman, a local farmer who donated a portion of his land for the construction of a railway station.
Hastings Ghost Town's origins are closely tied to the establishment of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, which extended its tracks through the town in the late 1860s. The presence of the railway station facilitated economic growth, attracting settlers, farmers, and merchants. By the late 1800s, the town had grown to include several businesses, a post office, a blacksmith shop, a grocery store, a hotel, a livery stable, and even a school. Despite the town's prosperity, a series of unfortunate events ultimately led to its decline.
A devastating prairie fire in the 1880s ravaged the town, reducing it to mere ashes. Fortunately, many of the residents rebuilt their homes and businesses, but the introduction of automobiles and improved roads facilitated the establishment of nearby Hastings as a commercial hub. Many of the town's residents moved to Hastings, leading to the gradual decline of the once-thriving Altman Station.
Another significant event contributing to the town's ultimate demise was the relocation of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad tracks. In the late 1800s, the railroad constructed a new line several miles north of the original tracks. This relocation disconnected Altman Station from the main railway line, rendering the town's primary source of economic activity redundant.
The few remnants of Hastings Ghost Town that still remain are largely testaments to its troubled history. While most of the original buildings have long since vanished, the town's old cistern, built to supply water to passing trains, still stands as a reminder of the town's industrial past.
Today, the Hastings Ghost Town site is characterized by rolling hills, patches of tallgrass prairies, and isolated remnants of the once-thriving settlement. Several of the town's original sections of the street grid are still visible, but few other physical remnants of the town survive.
Visitors to the site of Hastings Ghost Town can still catch a glimpse of the remnants of this once-thriving Nebraska town. A paved road runs through the heart of the former settlement, allowing for close observation of the few remaining historical markers and the original town layout. Adams County officials have developed an on-site commemorative park with informative plaques that serve to educate visitors about the history and legacy of Hastings Ghost Town.
Located close to the historic city of Hastings and North Platte's popular Fort Cody Trading Post, Hastings Ghost Town serves as a unique roadside attraction for tourists eager to explore the rich history of Nebraska's less-traveled rural areas.
Hastings Ghost Town's origins are closely tied to the establishment of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, which extended its tracks through the town in the late 1860s. The presence of the railway station facilitated economic growth, attracting settlers, farmers, and merchants. By the late 1800s, the town had grown to include several businesses, a post office, a blacksmith shop, a grocery store, a hotel, a livery stable, and even a school. Despite the town's prosperity, a series of unfortunate events ultimately led to its decline.
A devastating prairie fire in the 1880s ravaged the town, reducing it to mere ashes. Fortunately, many of the residents rebuilt their homes and businesses, but the introduction of automobiles and improved roads facilitated the establishment of nearby Hastings as a commercial hub. Many of the town's residents moved to Hastings, leading to the gradual decline of the once-thriving Altman Station.
Another significant event contributing to the town's ultimate demise was the relocation of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad tracks. In the late 1800s, the railroad constructed a new line several miles north of the original tracks. This relocation disconnected Altman Station from the main railway line, rendering the town's primary source of economic activity redundant.
The few remnants of Hastings Ghost Town that still remain are largely testaments to its troubled history. While most of the original buildings have long since vanished, the town's old cistern, built to supply water to passing trains, still stands as a reminder of the town's industrial past.
Today, the Hastings Ghost Town site is characterized by rolling hills, patches of tallgrass prairies, and isolated remnants of the once-thriving settlement. Several of the town's original sections of the street grid are still visible, but few other physical remnants of the town survive.
Visitors to the site of Hastings Ghost Town can still catch a glimpse of the remnants of this once-thriving Nebraska town. A paved road runs through the heart of the former settlement, allowing for close observation of the few remaining historical markers and the original town layout. Adams County officials have developed an on-site commemorative park with informative plaques that serve to educate visitors about the history and legacy of Hastings Ghost Town.
Located close to the historic city of Hastings and North Platte's popular Fort Cody Trading Post, Hastings Ghost Town serves as a unique roadside attraction for tourists eager to explore the rich history of Nebraska's less-traveled rural areas.
