McDowell, Missouri facts for kids
McDowell is a small place in Barry County, Missouri. It's called an "unincorporated community." This means it's a group of homes and businesses that don't have their own local government, like a city or town does. Instead, it's part of the larger county area.
Where is McDowell?
McDowell is located in the southwestern part of Missouri, a state in the United States. You can find it about five miles south of another small place called Pleasant Ridge.
The community is situated right on Missouri Route VV. Another road, Missouri Route C, runs along the southern edge of McDowell. This road follows a small stream called Little Flat Creek. If you travel about seven miles west on Route C, you will reach the town of Purdy.
A Look at McDowell's Past
McDowell has a simple but interesting history. It was named after a local family, the McDowell family, who lived in the area a long time ago.
The Old Post Office
A post office was opened in McDowell way back in 1858. This was a very important place for people living there. It was where they could send and receive letters and packages. The post office served the community for many years. It finally closed its doors in 1925. Even though the post office is gone, the name McDowell still reminds us of its past.