Hazelgreen, Missouri facts for kids
Hazelgreen is a small, quiet place in the eastern part of Laclede County, Missouri, in the United States. It's known as an unincorporated community, which means it's not an official city or town with its own local government. Instead, it's a group of homes and businesses that are part of the larger county.
Hazelgreen sits right along the famous historic U.S. Route 66, often called the "Mother Road." Today, this old road is mostly an outer road next to Interstate 44. The community is actually split by I-44, about a mile west of where I-44 meets Missouri Route 133 in nearby Pulaski County. The beautiful Gasconade River flows just north and west of Hazelgreen, adding to its natural charm.
Discovering Hazelgreen
Hazelgreen is a small spot on the map, but it has its own unique story. It's a place where people live and work, even without a city hall or a mayor. The county government helps take care of things like roads and services for everyone in unincorporated areas like Hazelgreen.
Where is Hazelgreen Located?
Hazelgreen is in the central part of Missouri. It's easy to find if you're traveling on Interstate 44. Imagine a big highway cutting through the land; Hazelgreen is right there, with parts of it on both sides of the interstate. This location made it a popular stop back when Route 66 was the main way to travel across the country.
A Glimpse into Hazelgreen's Past
Hazelgreen has been around for a long time! A post office, which is where mail is sent and received, was first opened in Hazelgreen way back in 1858. That's over 160 years ago! The post office served the community for a century before it closed in 1958. The name "Hazelgreen" itself comes from the many hazel bushes that grew in the area when the community was first settled. These bushes likely had green leaves, giving the place its descriptive name.
