Cote Sans Dessein, Missouri facts for kids
Cote Sans Dessein was once a small town in Callaway County, Missouri. It was located near the Missouri River. Sadly, this town no longer exists. It faced many floods from the river, which eventually caused most people to leave.
Contents
A Look Back: The Story of Cote Sans Dessein
Early Beginnings and French Settlers
Long ago, Native Americans lived near this area. Their settlement's name in the Osage language meant "upland forest." Around 1800, the Spanish government, which ruled Louisiana at the time, surveyed this land. They noted its rich soil and plenty of fish and game. Some records suggest that French traders started a settlement called Cote Sans Dessein around 1803. This was about the time the United States bought the Louisiana Territory from France. A local historian, T. J. Ferguson, wrote about seeing the settlement in 1817.
What's in a Name?
The name "Cote Sans Dessein" comes from the French language. It is often translated as "coast without design."
- "Côte" means "coast," "shore," or sometimes "hill."
- "Sans" means "without."
- "Dessein" means "design" or "intention."
This name likely referred to a river shoreline or a hill-like shape. The river's currents often changed the land. The exact reason for the name is not fully known today.
A Town's Struggle and Relocation
Cote Sans Dessein opened a post office in 1818. It stayed open until 1907. When Missouri became a state in 1821, Cote Sans Dessein was considered for the new state capital. However, Jefferson City was chosen instead. One reason was the risk of floods in Cote Sans Dessein. The town was hit by many floods from the Missouri River. After early destruction, the town moved about one mile inland. This new spot was about two miles southwest of the village of Tebbetts. Maps from 1876 still showed the town near the river. But maps from 1897 showed it further inland. Even the second location was badly damaged by floods. After these floods, many people moved away. The post office finally closed in 1907, and the town was largely abandoned.
