Carbon

The first white man to settle in Adams County in 1849 erected a saw mill on the Middle Nodaway River near the present site of Carbon. In 1855 a second family located on the adjacent 40 acres east. When the third house was built, they also built a grist mill a short distance west of the saw mill. In 1865, its new owners added a second story and turned it into a flour mill. The building also served as the first post office and since served as a place for Sunday school. The discovery of coal brought more settlers and by 1870 a village had sprung up named Carbon with the mill as the background. In 1873, a plat of Carbon was signed and filed. Carbon grew with the operation of the coal mines in the surrounding area. Carbon boasted three hotels, general stores, a doctor, a drug store, blacksmith shops, shoe repair, barber, school, churches, butcher shop as well as a brickyard and creamery. In the early 1900’s Carbon had its own ball team and band. Carbon was known far and near for hospitality and sociability and that legacy lives on in Adams County.

Today, Carbon’s rural, serene setting is home to the Coal Miners’ Reunion. The community welcomes visitors to join them at their community center and worship with them at their Methodist Church. You can find a nice meal and friendly company always waiting for you at their local establishment. Stop in for a visit or stay for a lifetime.