Fanning, Missouri facts for kids
Fanning is a small, unincorporated community in western Crawford County, Missouri, United States. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Fanning is famous for being home to the world's second-largest rocking chair!
Quick facts for kids
Fanning, Missouri
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| Country | United States |
| State | Missouri |
| County | Crawford |
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About Fanning, Missouri
Fanning is located in the western part of Crawford County. It sits along what used to be U.S. Route 66, a very famous old highway. Today, this road is known as Missouri Supplemental Route ZZ. Fanning is about four miles southwest of a town called Cuba.
The World's Second Largest Rocking Chair
One of the most exciting things about Fanning is its giant rocking chair. This huge chair is located right outside the Fanning 66 Outpost. It's so big that it holds the record for being the second-largest rocking chair in the world! Many visitors stop here to see and take pictures with this amazing landmark.
History of Fanning
Fanning has a long history, especially tied to the railway. A post office was opened here in 1887. It served the community for many years before closing in 1953.
How Fanning Got Its Name
The community of Fanning was named after a man named John Fanning. He was born in Limerick, Ireland, in 1821 and passed away in 1906. John Fanning played a very important role in the early days of the area.
John Fanning's Role in the Community
John Fanning was the first railway section foreman when the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway, also known as the Frisco, was built through this region in the mid-1800s. A section foreman was in charge of maintaining a specific part of the railway tracks. John Fanning's home, which is still standing in Fanning today, was more than just a house. For many decades, it served as the railway station, a church, the local post office, and a central meeting place for everyone in the community. It was truly the heart of Fanning.
