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Frankenstein, Missouri facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Frankenstein is a small, quiet place in the state of Missouri, United States. It's not a big city with a mayor and a city council. Instead, it's an unincorporated community, which means it's a group of homes and businesses that aren't officially part of a town or city government.

About Frankenstein

Frankenstein is found in the northwestern part of Osage County. This area is known for its beautiful countryside and peaceful atmosphere. It's a place where people live close to nature.

Where is Frankenstein?

You can find Frankenstein about 20 km (12 mi) east of Jefferson City, which is the capital city of Missouri. It sits right on Missouri Route C, a local road that connects different small communities. If you travel on Route C, you'll find Frankenstein about halfway between two other places: Luystown to the east and Bonnots Mill to the west. A stream called Cedar Creek flows nearby, about one mile south of the community.

How Did Frankenstein Get Its Name?

The name "Frankenstein" might sound a bit unusual, but it has an interesting story! A long time ago, around 1890, a person named Godfried Franken (sometimes spelled Gottfried Franken) was an important pioneer in the area. He generously donated some land to help the community grow. This land became known as Franken Hill. The word "Stein" in German can mean "rock" or "stone," and it's also used to mean "hill" or "mountain" in some place names. So, the name "Frankenstein" was likely a special way to honor Mr. Franken and his donated "hill" or "rocky land."

A Bit of History

Like many small communities, Frankenstein once had its own post office. This post office opened in 1893, helping people send and receive letters and packages. It served the community for many years before it closed in 1921. Even though the post office is gone, the name and the quiet community remain.

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