Coy, Missouri facts for kids
Coy is a small, unincorporated community located in western McDonald County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. It's not a city or town with its own government, but rather a collection of homes and businesses. You can find Coy about halfway between the towns of Anderson and Tiff City. It sits along the southern side of the Patterson Creek valley, and Missouri Route 76 passes nearby, about three-quarters of a mile to the south.
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What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community like Coy is a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own official local government. This means it's not a city or a town. Instead, it's usually governed by the county it's located in.
- No local mayor or city council: Decisions for the area are made at the county level.
- Services from the county: Things like roads, police, and fire services are often provided by the county government.
- Often smaller: Unincorporated communities are typically smaller than incorporated cities or towns.
Why Do Places Stay Unincorporated?
Sometimes, communities choose to remain unincorporated for various reasons. They might want to keep a more rural feel or avoid local taxes that would come with forming a city.
A Glimpse into Coy's Past
Coy has a simple but interesting history, especially when it comes to its name and early services.
When Was Coy Established?
The community of Coy officially got a post office in 1886. A post office was a very important service back then, allowing people to send and receive mail. This helped connect the community with the rest of the country.
When Did the Post Office Close?
The post office in Coy operated for several years before closing its doors in 1903. This often happened as transportation improved and people could travel to larger towns for their mail.
Who Was Coy Named After?
The community of Coy was named after a local person named George McCoy. He was a merchant, which means he owned a store and sold goods to people in the area. Naming a place after a prominent local figure was a common practice in the past.