Peoria, Missouri facts for kids

Peoria is a small, quiet place located in southern Washington County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. It's known as an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's managed by the county. You can find Peoria along Missouri Route JJ, about three miles southwest of a place called Belgrade. The border between Washington County and Iron County is also quite close, just 1.5 miles south of Peoria. A well-known waterway, the Big River, flows right past this community.

A Look Back: The History of Peoria

Peoria might be a small community today, but it has a history that includes a busy time with its own post office.

The Peoria Post Office

A post office was opened in Peoria in 1908. For many years, this office was an important place for people to send and receive letters and packages. It helped connect the community with the rest of the world. However, the post office eventually closed its doors in 1934.

Where Did the Name Come From?

The name "Peoria" was one of several options suggested by postal officials when the post office was being set up. It's believed that the name was chosen because it sounded familiar, likely transferred from the larger city of Peoria, Illinois. This was a common way for smaller communities to get their names, often inspired by other places.