Cherry Box, Missouri facts for kids
Cherry Box is a small, quiet place in the northwestern part of Shelby County, Missouri, United States. It's known as an "unincorporated community," which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or a town. Instead, it's part of the larger county.
This community is located along Missouri Route B, about 3.5 miles northwest of a nearby town called Leonard. A river known as the North Fork of the Salt River flows just two miles to the west of Cherry Box, adding to the natural beauty of the area.
How Cherry Box Started
Cherry Box began in the 1850s. It was founded by a group of German Mennonites. Mennonites are a Christian community known for their peaceful way of life and strong focus on faith and family. They often form close-knit communities.
The Mystery of the Name
It's not entirely clear why this community was named "Cherry Box." There are a few old stories or traditions about how it got its name, but no one knows for sure which one is true.
The Old Post Office
For many years, Cherry Box had its own post office. It first opened in 1858, helping people send and receive mail. The post office served the community for a long time, finally closing its doors in 1943.
