Center Creek (Missouri) facts for kids
Center Creek is a natural waterway, also known as a stream, located in the southwestern part of Missouri. It's an important part of the local environment and flows through several counties before joining a larger river.
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Center Creek: A Missouri Stream
Center Creek is a stream that begins in Lawrence County and makes its way across southwest Missouri. It eventually flows into the Spring River right on the border between Missouri and Kansas.
Where Does Center Creek Start?
The journey of Center Creek begins in Lawrence County. Its starting point, called the "headwaters," is found north of a small place called Globe. This area is near U. S. Route 60, between the towns of Aurora and Monett.
At first, Center Creek is an "intermittent stream." This means it only has water flowing through it at certain times, usually after rain or during wet seasons. However, as it flows northwest, it becomes a "permanent stream" west of Freistatt, meaning it has water all year round.
Where Does Center Creek Flow?
As Center Creek continues its path, it travels through different areas. It flows under Missouri Route 97 and then enters the northeast part of Newton County. From there, it heads north into Jasper County.
The stream crosses under major roads like Interstate 44 near Sarcoxie. It then turns west, flowing under Missouri Route 37 and U. S. Route 71 south of Carthage. Center Creek continues west, passing south of Oronogo, and goes under Missouri Route 43 and Missouri Route 171. It also flows south of Carl Junction.
The creek's journey ends just west of the Missouri-Kansas border. This is where it meets and joins the Spring River, northwest of a small village called Klondike and southwest of Smithfield. The spot where two rivers or streams meet is called a confluence.
Why the Name "Center Creek"?
Center Creek got its name because a significant part of its path flows very close to the geographical center of Lawrence County. This central location is how the stream earned its unique name.
