La Russell, Missouri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
La Russell, Missouri
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City
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Main Street, La Russell, Missouri, as seen from the La Russell Water Pump (circa 1904).
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| Motto(s):
Viva La Russell
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Location of La Russell, Missouri
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| Country | United States |
| State | Missouri |
| County | Jasper |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.34 sq mi (0.87 km2) |
| • Land | 0.34 sq mi (0.87 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,079 ft (329 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 134 |
| • Density | 400.00/sq mi (154.26/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
64848
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| Area code(s) | 417 |
| FIPS code | 29-40790 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2395573 |
La Russell is a small city in Jasper County, Missouri, United States. In 2020, about 134 people lived there. It's part of the larger Joplin area.
Contents
Location and Land Area
La Russell is in the valley of the Spring River. It is very close to the border between Jasper and Lawrence counties. The town of Bowers Mill is just northeast of La Russell, also on the river. The Missouri-Pacific Railroad tracks run along the river, north of the city.
The United States Census Bureau says that La Russell covers about 0.34 square miles (0.87 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
History of La Russell
The city of La Russell was officially planned and set up on August 18, 1903. It was named after Russell Harding. He was an important person in the Missouri-Pacific Railroad at that time. The French word La was added to the name Russell. This was done to avoid confusion with another Missouri town called Russellville. Because of this, La Russell is a very unique name in the United States.
Early Settlers and Native Americans
Before La Russell was founded, this area was a hunting ground for the Osage Indians. They often camped near the Spring River, which is a short distance north of the city. The U.S. Government bought their lands to the east in 1808. Other Native American tribes were also moved to this area. Later, all tribes were moved again to other places. Even today, you can find Arrowheads and other Native American tools in the fields near the river.
Even though La Russell was founded in 1903, people settled here much earlier. Some of the first settlers in Jasper County arrived in the 1830s.
Cave Springs School
The very first public school in Jasper County was built near where La Russell is today. This was the Cave Springs School, also known as Teas School. It was named after its first teacher, Samuel Teas, and opened in 1838.
During the time before the Civil War, school years were split into two parts. There was a summer session and a winter session. This was because students were needed at home to help with spring planting and fall harvests. The Cave Springs School was also used as a church. During the Civil War, it became a military base for the Union army.
After the county seat of Carthage was burned during the Civil War, the governor moved the temporary Jasper County Courthouse to the Cave Springs School in 1865. The school building still stands today and can be visited. In 2009, a Civil War memorial was put up near La Russell. It is at the old Cave Springs Cemetery, which is one of the oldest cemeteries in Jasper County.
Growth and Community Life
La Russell grew as a railroad stop for the Missouri-Pacific Railroad in 1905. This happened when the White River line was built. Today, La Russell is a small, quiet community. Most people here work in farming and raising animals.
The La Russell Water Pump is a famous landmark in the city. It was built around 1904 and stands right in the middle of Main Street. Before this pump, an even older community well was in the same spot. The pump gave water to everyone in the village. People would carry water home in buckets. It was also a welcome stop for thirsty travelers and their horses. Later, people used it to fill their car radiators and get a cold drink.
The concrete base for the current pump was built on August 5, 1907. You can see damage on it from cars hitting it over the years. Because it's in the middle of the street, some people think it's a safety risk. However, many people in La Russell want to keep it. They see it as an important historical landmark. The debate about the pump continues today. Locals traditionally decorate this old hand pump during the Christmas holidays every year. The saying Viva La Russell has become a way to show support for the pump and the town itself.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 261 | — | |
| 1920 | 173 | −33.7% | |
| 1930 | 163 | −5.8% | |
| 1940 | 161 | −1.2% | |
| 1950 | 82 | −49.1% | |
| 1960 | 129 | 57.3% | |
| 1970 | 97 | −24.8% | |
| 1980 | 126 | 29.9% | |
| 1990 | 114 | −9.5% | |
| 2000 | 138 | 21.1% | |
| 2010 | 114 | −17.4% | |
| 2020 | 134 | 17.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2010 Census Data
According to the census from 2010, there were 114 people living in La Russell. There were 42 households and 33 families. The city had about 335 people per square mile. There were 55 housing units, which are homes or apartments.
Most of the people in the city, about 95.6%, were White. About 2.6% were Native American, and 1.8% were from two or more races.
About 40.5% of households had children under 18 living with them. Most households, 66.7%, were married couples living together. The average household had 2.71 people, and the average family had 3.06 people.
The average age in the city was 43 years old. About 27.2% of residents were under 18. About 18.4% were 65 years old or older.
Images for kids
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Spring River from State Highway U in La Russell
See also
In Spanish: La Russell (Misuri) para niños
