Greasy Creek (Niangua River tributary) facts for kids
Greasy Creek is a small stream (a type of small river) located in the beautiful Ozarks region of southwest Missouri. It flows through parts of Dallas and Webster counties. Greasy Creek is a tributary of the Niangua River, which means it flows into and joins the Niangua River.
About Greasy Creek
Greasy Creek is an interesting natural feature in Missouri. It's a great example of how water flows through the landscape, connecting different areas. Understanding streams like Greasy Creek helps us learn about local geography and the environment.
Where Does Greasy Creek Start and End?
Every stream has a beginning, called its headwaters. Greasy Creek's headwaters are found in the northwest part of Webster County, near a town called Elkland. You can find its starting point at 37°26′22″N 93°03′28″W / 37.43944°N 93.05778°W.
From its start, the stream flows generally north into Dallas County. It then turns towards the northwest, passing under Missouri Route 38. This is west of March and east of Redtop.
Greasy Creek continues its journey, flowing north to northeast. It runs alongside U.S. Route 65 (which is to its west). The stream then crosses under Missouri Route 32 just east of Buffalo. Finally, Greasy Creek reaches its end, called its confluence, where it joins the Niangua River northeast of Buffalo. The point where it meets the Niangua River is at 37°39′43″N 93°02′30″W / 37.66194°N 93.04167°W.
How Did Greasy Creek Get Its Name?
The name Greasy Creek might sound a bit unusual for a stream! It was given this name because people noticed that the water sometimes had an oily or greasy look to it.
Legend says that this oily appearance came from an early incident. It's believed that a large amount of bacon or ham was spilled into the water a long time ago. This spill supposedly made the water seem "greasy," and the name stuck! It's a fun story that tells us a little about the history of the area.
