Relfe, Missouri facts for kids

Relfe was once a small town in Phelps County, a part of the state of Missouri. Today, it no longer exists, making it what people call a "ghost town." It was officially recognized as a place where people lived for many years.

What Was Relfe?

Relfe was a community that grew up around a natural water source called a spring. People often settled near springs because they provided fresh water. The town was named after an early politician from the area. A politician is someone who works in government, making decisions for the community or state.

Where Was Relfe Located?

The community of Relfe was located in western Phelps County. It was situated right next to a small river called Spring Creek. This creek eventually flows into a larger river known as the Big Piney River. The place where Spring Creek joins the Big Piney River is about four miles northwest of where Relfe used to be.

The natural spring that gave the creek its name was located about a quarter of a mile southeast of the town. There was also a school, known as the Relfe School, located about a quarter of a mile northwest of the town, near the edge of the Spring Creek area.

Why Was Relfe Important?

Even though Relfe is gone now, it was an active community for many years. One important feature of the town was its post office.

The Relfe Post Office

A post office is a place where people can send and receive mail. The Relfe post office first opened its doors in 1866. It served the people living in and around Relfe for a long time. The post office stayed open for 62 years before it finally closed down in 1928. When the post office closed, it often meant that fewer people were living in the area, and the town was slowly fading away.

Naming the Town

The town of Relfe was given its name to honor an important person. It was named after an early politician who lived in that area. Naming towns after important people was a common practice in the past.