Blackwater, Missouri got its start in 1887 as a stop on the Missouri Pacific Railroad. The trains stopped to refuel with coal and water. The population reached 600 people at its peak. The same entity that created Blackwater ultimately all but destroyed it....the railroad. As the MPRR transitioned to diesel powered trains in the 1950's, there was no longer a need to stop and refuel in Blackwater and the town withered on the rail.
There has been an attempt to lure tourists there with festivals, shops and a museum, but success has not been great. It is a neat one block long town with a very nice flower garden near the center. The windmill stands over the town's original well.
Incidentally, my father worked for the Missouri Pacific railroad for many years and retired from it in 1980. He was a radio maintainer.
Arrow Rock is next.
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