Gravel Point, Missouri facts for kids

Gravel Point was once a small community in Texas County, Missouri. It is now considered an extinct town, which means it no longer exists as a populated place. You might also hear places like this called a ghost town. It was located in the southwestern part of Texas County.

What Was Gravel Point Like?

Gravel Point was situated on Gravel Point Road. It was also right next to a small stream that flowed into West Piney Creek. The town was about eight miles north-northwest of a larger town called Cabool.

The Gravel Point School

The community had a school, also called Gravel Point School. Schools were very important in small towns like this. They were often the center of community life. Children from nearby farms and homes would gather there to learn.

The Post Office

A post office is where mail is sent and received. Gravel Point had its own post office, which opened in 1871. Having a post office was a big deal for a small community. It meant people could easily send letters to family and friends far away. It also helped businesses connect with others.

The name of the post office was changed slightly in 1895 to "Gravelpoint." However, the post office eventually closed in 1905. This often happened when towns started to shrink or people moved away.

How Did Gravel Point Get Its Name?

The town got its name because of the land around it. There were many gravel deposits near where the town was first built. Gravel is a type of small, loose rock. It is often used for building roads or paths. So, the name "Gravel Point" simply described a key feature of the area.

Why Do Towns Become Extinct?

Many small towns in the United States, especially in rural areas, have become extinct over time. This can happen for several reasons:

• People move away: If jobs disappear or people seek better opportunities elsewhere, they leave.
• Changes in transportation: When new roads or railroads were built, they sometimes bypassed small towns. This made it harder for people and goods to reach them.
• Natural resources run out: If a town was built around a specific resource, like a mine, it might disappear when the resource is gone.
• Economic changes: Farming or other local industries might become less profitable.

Gravel Point is one of many places that remind us how communities can change over the years.