Burton, Missouri facts for kids

Burton is a small place in the United States, located in a state called Missouri. It's not a big city or even a town with its own local government. Instead, it's known as an "unincorporated community" within Howard County. This means it's a group of homes and perhaps a few buildings that don't have their own mayor or town council. Instead, they are part of the larger county's administration.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community is a group of homes or buildings that are not officially organized as a city or town. They don't have their own local government, like a mayor or a city council. Instead, they are governed by the larger county they are located in.

How Unincorporated Communities Work

When a place is unincorporated, services like roads, police, and fire protection are usually managed by the county government. This is different from a city, which would have its own departments for these services. Unincorporated areas often have a smaller population and might not have a central business district like a city.

Why Some Places Stay Unincorporated

There are many reasons why a community might remain unincorporated. Sometimes, the population is too small to support its own local government. Other times, the residents might prefer to be part of the county system. It can also be simpler and less expensive to operate under county rules.

Where is Burton Located?

Burton is found in Howard County, which is in the central part of the U.S. state of Missouri. Missouri is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It's known for its diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to large rivers.

About Howard County

Howard County is one of Missouri's historic counties. It was established a long time ago and is part of the state's rich history. The county seat, which is like the main administrative town, is Fayette. People in Howard County live in a mix of small towns and rural areas, often involved in farming and other local industries.

Missouri: The Show-Me State

Missouri is often called "The Show-Me State." This nickname is thought to come from a saying that means people from Missouri like to see proof before they believe something. The state is famous for the Ozark Mountains, the Missouri River, and its important role in American history, including the westward expansion.

History of Burton

The community of Burton has a simple but interesting history, mainly centered around its post office and how it got its name.

The Burton Post Office

A post office was opened in Burton in 1873. For many years, this post office was an important part of the community. It allowed people to send and receive mail, connecting them to the outside world. For small, rural communities, a post office was often a central gathering place and a vital link for communication and commerce. The Burton post office served the community for over 60 years before it closed in 1935.

How Burton Got Its Name

The community of Burton was named after a person named Prior Burton. He was the original owner of the land where the community was established. It was a common practice in early American history for new settlements to be named after the landowners or important figures in the area. This tradition helped to honor those who played a key role in the founding or development of a place.