Hungry Mother Creek facts for kids
Hungry Mother Creek is a small stream in Howard County, Missouri. It's a natural waterway that flows through the landscape, helping to shape the land and support local wildlife.
Where Does Hungry Mother Creek Flow?
Every stream has a beginning, called its headwaters. For Hungry Mother Creek, its journey starts in the northeast part of Howard County. It begins at a small lake, located west of Missouri Route A and about three miles south of a town called Higbee.
From its starting point, the creek flows generally towards the south and southwest. As it travels, it passes under several roads. These include Missouri Route O, near a place called Bunker Hill, and later Missouri Route 124.
The creek's journey ends when it reaches its confluence with another stream. A confluence is where two or more streams or rivers meet and join together. Hungry Mother Creek flows into Moniteau Creek west of Sebree.
Creek's Location on a Map
You can find the exact spots where Hungry Mother Creek begins and ends using special map coordinates. These numbers are like a precise address for a location on Earth.
- The headwaters are located at 39°15′29″N 92°30′08″W / 39.25806°N 92.50222°W.
- The confluence, where it joins Moniteau Creek, is at 39°07′23″N 92°33′54″W / 39.12306°N 92.56500°W.
How Did Hungry Mother Creek Get Its Name?
The name "Hungry Mother Creek" has an interesting story behind it, passed down through time. According to local tradition, the creek was not always called by its current name. It was once known as "Hunger's Mother Creek."
This name came from a group of early settlers, often called frontiersmen, who spent a winter near the creek. During their time there, they faced difficult conditions and likely struggled to find enough food. The name "Hunger's Mother Creek" probably came from their experience of hunger during that cold winter. Over time, the name changed slightly to "Hungry Mother Creek," which is what we call it today.
