Shibboleth, Missouri facts for kids

Shibboleth is a small place in Washington County, Missouri, in the United States. It's called an "unincorporated community," which means it's not a city or town with its own local government. Instead, it's just a group of homes and buildings that are part of the larger county.

What is Shibboleth?

Shibboleth is a quiet, unincorporated community. This means it doesn't have its own mayor or city council. Instead, the county government takes care of things like roads and services for the people living there.

Where is Shibboleth Located?

You can find Shibboleth in Washington County, which is in the state of Missouri. Missouri is located in the central part of the United States. Washington County is known for its beautiful natural areas and its history of mining.

How Did Shibboleth Start?

Shibboleth began as a place where miners lived and worked. Many communities in Missouri started this way, especially in areas rich with natural resources like lead and iron. People moved here to find jobs in the mines.

A Look at Mining Settlements

Mining settlements were often temporary places. They grew quickly when a new mine opened. Workers and their families would build homes, stores, and sometimes even schools. When the mine ran out of minerals, people often moved away. Some, like Shibboleth, remained as small communities.

What Does "Shibboleth" Mean?

The name "Shibboleth" comes from an old word found in the Hebrew Bible. It's a very interesting name for a community! In the Bible, a "shibboleth" was a special word used to tell people apart.

The Story from the Bible

The story comes from the Book of Judges. Two groups of people, the Gileadites and the Ephraimites, were fighting. The Gileadites captured the crossing points of the Jordan River. When Ephraimites tried to cross, the Gileadites would ask them to say the word "Shibboleth."

The Ephraimites had a different accent. They couldn't pronounce the "sh" sound correctly. They would say "Sibboleth" instead. This difference in pronunciation helped the Gileadites identify their enemies. So, a "shibboleth" became a way to test if someone belonged to a certain group. It's like a secret password or a special way of speaking that only insiders know.

It's not clear why the mining settlement was given this name. Perhaps it was a word that was well-known at the time, or maybe it had a special meaning to the people who founded the community.