Horse Creek (Cedar Creek tributary) facts for kids
Horse Creek is a small stream located in the southwestern part of Missouri, a state in the United States. It flows through four different counties: Barton, Cedar, Dade, and Vernon. This creek is a branch, also known as a tributary, of a larger stream called Cedar Creek.
Exploring Horse Creek
Where Does Horse Creek Start and Flow?
Horse Creek begins in the southern part of Dade County. The exact starting point, called the headwaters, is located at 37°20′14″N 93°57′04″W / 37.33722°N 93.95111°W. This spot is just east of Missouri Route 97 and south of the town of Lockwood.
From its source, the stream flows towards the northwest. It passes under Route 97 and then heads north, going under U.S. Route 160 just west of Lockwood. Horse Creek then continues its journey northwest, entering Barton County near Layneville.
The creek flows past the towns of Newport and Milford. After Milford, it changes direction, turning northeast. It then enters the southeastern corner of Vernon County and soon after flows into Cedar County, northwest of West Independence.
Horse Creek crosses under Route 97 again and then under Missouri Route 32 southeast of Filley. Finally, it reaches its end, or confluence, where it joins Cedar Creek. This meeting point is in west-central Cedar County at 37°45′58″N 93°53′01″W / 37.76611°N 93.88361°W.
How Horse Creek Got Its Name
The name "Horse Creek" comes from an old story or tradition. People say that early frontiersmen, who were explorers and settlers, once found a horse carcass along the creek's path. Because of this event, they decided to call the stream Horse Creek.
