Oakdale, Missouri facts for kids

Oakdale is a small place located in Shelby County, Missouri, in the United States. It's known as an "unincorporated community," which means it doesn't have its own local government, like a mayor or city council. Instead, it's managed by the larger county government.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community is like a neighborhood that isn't officially part of a city or town. These places often have homes, businesses, and people living there, but they don't have their own separate local government. Instead, the county government takes care of things like roads, police, and other services for everyone living in these areas.

A Glimpse into History

Oakdale once had an important connection point for its residents: a post office! This post office, originally called "Oak Dale," first opened its doors in 1878. For many years, it helped people send and receive letters and packages, connecting the community to the outside world. However, the post office eventually closed in 1905. The name "Oak Dale" itself was chosen because it described the area well, likely referring to a valley or "dale" filled with oak trees.