Shawneetown had many floods but after the worst flood in 1937 the towns people had enough. They decided to move the town a few miles away and start over. They moved nearly 300 structures to the new location. Homes were put onto large rollers and literally rolled up to the New Town. Old Town was basically planned to be left behind and talk of making Old Town a historical museum were being tossed around. However, it wasn't long before people were in both old & new town continuing their lives. Many large buildings were torn down and some just sat empty. Since then most of the buildings have fallen down or have been torn down due to being in disrepair. Today the town has only a few residents and the history is quickly disappearing.