Oldham, Missouri facts for kids

Oldham is a small, quiet place located in the southeastern part of Boone County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. It's not a big city or town, but rather what's called an unincorporated community. This means it doesn't have its own local government like a city does. You can find Oldham on Old Highway 63, about three miles south of the town of Ashland.

How Oldham Got Its Name

Have you ever wondered how places get their names? Sometimes, there's a fun story behind them! For Oldham, there's a popular tale, known as a folk etymology. This means it's a story that people have passed down over time, even if it might not be 100% historically proven.

The story goes that Oldham was named after a local merchant named Asa Old. People say he was known for selling "old hams." So, the name "Oldham" might have come from combining "Old" (from Asa Old) and "ham" (from the hams he sold). It's a unique and memorable way for a community to get its name!