Bend, Missouri facts for kids
Bend is a small, quiet place located in the northeastern part of Maries County, in the state of Missouri. It's known as an "unincorporated community." This means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a city or town with its own local government. Instead, it's part of the larger county.
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Where is Bend?
Bend is easy to find if you're traveling through Maries County. It sits right on Missouri Route Z, just a little bit east of where it meets Missouri Route 42. This makes it about five miles (or eight kilometers) east of the town of Vienna. Another nearby community, Paydown, is about three miles (or five kilometers) to the northeast, also along Route 42.
The beautiful Gasconade River is also very close to Bend. It flows past just over one mile (about 1.6 kilometers) south of the community. Rivers like the Gasconade often play a big role in the history and life of small communities like Bend.
A Glimpse into Bend's History
How Bend Got Its Name
The community of Bend has an interesting story behind its name. A post office was opened here in 1900, which was an important way for people to send and receive mail. This post office served the community for several years, closing its doors in 1917.
The name "Bend" comes from a nearby curve in the Gasconade River called "Sinful Bend." A "meander" is a natural, winding curve or loop in a river's path. This particular bend in the river was known for its unique character and the kind of people who lived or passed through the area in earlier times. Often, places get their names from natural features or memorable events that happened there.
The Importance of a Post Office
In the early 1900s, a post office was much more than just a place to mail letters. It was often the heart of a small community. It connected people to the outside world, allowing them to receive news, send messages to family far away, and get important supplies. The presence of a post office in Bend from 1900 to 1917 shows that it was a recognized and active community during that time.
