Dorena, Missouri facts for kids
Dorena is a small, quiet place located in the southeastern part of Mississippi County, Missouri, in the United States. It's known as an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, the county government helps manage things for the people living there. Dorena is a spot where two important roads, Route 77 and Route 102, meet. It's about thirteen miles southeast of a town called East Prairie.
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The Dorena-Hickman Ferry
One of the most interesting things about Dorena is its connection to the Dorena-Hickman Ferry. This ferry is a special boat that carries cars, trucks, and people across the mighty Mississippi River. It links Route 77 in Missouri directly to the Kentucky side of the river.
How the Ferry Works
The Dorena-Hickman Ferry is one of the few remaining car ferries on the entire Mississippi River. It provides a quick way for travelers to cross between Missouri and Kentucky without having to drive many miles to find a bridge. Ferries like this have been an important part of travel and trade for a very long time, helping people and goods move across rivers before many bridges were built.
History of Dorena
Dorena has a bit of history, even if it's a small place. A post office was opened in Dorena in 1899, which helped people send and receive mail. This post office served the community for many years before it eventually closed in 1973.
What's in a Name?
The name "Dorena" itself has an interesting story. It's believed that the name came from an old slang term that meant "money." So, in a way, Dorena might have been seen as a place of value or importance, perhaps because of its location near the river and the ferry.
Dorena Today
Today, Dorena remains a small, unincorporated community. Its main importance comes from the Dorena-Hickman Ferry, which continues to be a vital link for local travel and a unique part of the region's transportation history. The area around Dorena is mostly rural, with farmlands and natural landscapes typical of southeastern Missouri.
