Gumbo, Missouri facts for kids

Gumbo is a small, unincorporated community located in the northwestern part of St. Francois County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. It's situated along Missouri Route 8, a road that connects the towns of Desloge and Leadwood. To the north of Gumbo, you'll find the winding Big River.

The name "Gumbo" likely comes from the type of soil found near where the community first started. This "gombo" dirt was probably very sticky and clay-like.

During World War II, an important factory that made TNT (a type of explosive) was located about five miles west of Gumbo. This plant played a role in supporting the war effort.

People from Gumbo

Gumbo might be a small place, but some interesting people have connections to it!

• Ferlin Husky was a famous country music singer. He was so important to country music that he became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
• Evelyn Tripp was a very successful fashion model during the 1950s and 1960s. She was known as a leading figure in the fashion world.
• Jeff Eaton is a musician who played bass for the band Split Lip Rayfield.