Kiel, Missouri facts for kids

Kiel is a small, quiet place in the northwest part of Franklin County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. It's known as an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town does. Instead, it's part of the larger county. You can find Kiel about six miles south of a town called New Haven, right along Missouri Route C.

The Story of Kiel: How It Began

Kiel has an interesting history, especially when it comes to its name!

Early Days and the Post Office

Like many small communities, Kiel once had its own post office. It was first opened in 1883, which means people living there could send and receive letters and packages right in their own community. However, the post office didn't stay open forever. It closed its doors in 1909, after serving the area for about 26 years.

Where Did the Name "Kiel" Come From?

The name "Kiel" isn't just a random choice. It comes from a famous city called Kiel in Germany. Many of the very first families who settled in this part of Missouri came from Germany. They chose to name their new home after the place they missed and remembered from their native country. This is a common way that many places in the United States got their names, reflecting the heritage of their early settlers.