WHEELOCK

NAME: Wheelock COUNTY: Williams ROADS: 2WD GRID: 1 CLIMATE: Snow in winter; very hot & humid summers BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring and Fall

COMMENTS: Interesting little town about three miles south of route 2, near Epping and Wiliston. REMAINS: 100+ abandoned homes and structures; remains of a schoolhouse, some shops and businesses, a cemetery that overlooks the town

Town is almost completely ghost--only a few residents, probably ten or fewer, remain. My wife's great-grandfather (Halfdan) used to walk out there from Wiliston every weekend (about 20 miles) to keep a claim on his land back around the turn of the century (circa 1900). My father-in-law knows more than anyone else about it, but Wheelock was expected to grow into another Bismarck until they lost some kind of fewderal contract and the main railroad went through Wiliston. Judging by the age and condition of the homes, Wheelock hit its peak around the 1950's with roughly 400 residents. I don't know why everyone left. There did appear to be a functioning restaurant on the eastern edge of the town. if you're in the area, this is definately worth a qucik side trip. Do be careful as there were several large dogs running around the town when my inlaws and I passed through. We didn't spend much time so I didn't get to see the post office or get any dates. Enjoy! Submitted by: Craig Garaas-Johnson

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