Dillard, Missouri facts for kids

This building formerly served as the local post office in Dillard.

Dillard is a small, quiet place in southern Missouri. It's called an "unincorporated community." This means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's part of the larger Crawford County. Dillard is located right by Huzzah Creek and Missouri Route 49. It's about 22 miles south of a town called Steelville. You'll find Dillard nestled inside the beautiful Mark Twain National Forest.

History of Dillard

Dillard has a simple but interesting history. It was officially recognized as a community in 1887.

The Post Office

A post office was opened in Dillard in 1886. This was an important place for people to send and receive letters and packages. The post office served the community for many years. It finally closed its doors in 1976. The building you see in the picture used to be the post office.

How Dillard Got Its Name

The community of Dillard was named after a man named Joseph Dillard Cottrell. He owned a very important place nearby called Dillard Mill. This mill was a key part of the area's history.

Exploring Dillard and Nearby Areas

Even though Dillard is a small community, there are interesting places to visit nearby.

Dillard Mill State Historic Site

Just about one mile south of Dillard is the Dillard Mill State Historic Site. This historic site is where Indian Creek meets Huzzah Creek. The mill itself is a beautiful old building. It shows how people used to grind grain into flour a long time ago. It's a great place to learn about history and see how things were done in the past.

Mark Twain National Forest

Dillard is located inside the huge Mark Twain National Forest. This forest covers a large part of southern Missouri. It's a wonderful place for outdoor activities. You can go hiking, camping, or just enjoy nature. The forest is home to many different kinds of plants and animals.