Moniteau Creek (south central Missouri) facts for kids
Moniteau Creek is a small stream in central Missouri, a state in the United States. It flows through three different counties: Cooper, Moniteau, and Cole. This creek is like a smaller helper river, also known as a tributary, that eventually joins the much larger Missouri River.
About Moniteau Creek
Moniteau Creek starts its journey in the western part of Moniteau County, near a town called Tipton. The place where a river or stream begins is called its headwaters. From there, the creek flows north into Cooper County.
It then makes a turn and flows east through the southeastern part of Cooper County. After this, it goes back into Moniteau County. The creek continues to wind its way east, passing under Missouri Route 87 south of Jamestown.
Where Moniteau Creek Ends
As Moniteau Creek keeps flowing east, it reaches an area called the Marion Bottoms Conservation Area. This area is a special place where nature is protected. Here, the creek enters the floodplain of the Missouri River. A floodplain is a flat area of land next to a river that can get covered with water when the river overflows.
This area is located between two towns: Sandy Hook to the north and Marion to the south. The spot where Moniteau Creek joins the Missouri River floodplain is in the northern tip of Cole County. The place where two rivers or streams meet is called a confluence.
What's in a Name?
The name "Moniteau Creek" comes from an old Native American word. It is related to the term "Manitou". This word was used by some Native American tribes to describe a spiritual force or a powerful spirit found in nature. So, the creek's name has a special connection to the history and beliefs of the people who lived in this area long ago.
