Jerome, Missouri facts for kids
Jerome is a small, quiet place in western Phelps County, Missouri, in the United States. It's not a city or a town with its own local government. Instead, it's called an "unincorporated community." This means it's a group of homes and businesses that are part of the larger county, rather than having their own mayor or city council.
Jerome is located right by the Gasconade River, which is a beautiful natural spot. It's also close to Interstate 44, a major highway, making it easy to reach. If you travel about ten miles west from the city of Rolla, you'll find Jerome. It's also very close to the edge of the large and scenic Mark Twain National Forest.
A Look Back: Jerome's History
Jerome has an interesting past. It wasn't always called Jerome! When it first started, this area was known as "Fremont Town."
In 1867, something very important happened that helped Fremont Town grow. The railroad tracks were extended through this area. When the railroad arrived, the community was officially "platted." This means that a map was drawn up, dividing the land into specific plots or sections for homes, businesses, and streets. This planning helped the community become more organized and grow, eventually becoming the Jerome we know today.