Possum Trot

Missouri's ghost towns run from lead diggings to river ports the railroad left behind.

Possum Trot is a former town in northeastern Stone County, Missouri, United States. It is located approximately 5.5 miles (8.85 km) southwest of Nixa on Missouri Route M. Only the remains of a school named Fairview and a house are left. Fairview was a one-room school which had grades 1 through 8 and was locally called Possum Trot School. The general store at Possum Trot was operated by the descendants of Jackson B. and Emma Stewart Wilson, William Jasper Wilson, and his brother John Washington Wilson during the early part of the 20th century. Part of the community was once known as Self.

The on-the-ground condition of Possum Trot is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Here's the honest truth: access to Possum Trot is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Possum Trot is roughly 36.9786, -93.4292 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.