Sprague, Missouri facts for kids

Sprague is a small, quiet place in the southwest part of Bates County, Missouri. It's called an unincorporated community, which means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government. Instead, it's part of the larger county.

Sprague is about five miles west of a town called Rich Hill. You can get there by following Missouri routes A and WW. Close by, less than a mile to the southeast, is the Harmony Mission Lake Conservation Area. This is a natural area where people can enjoy the outdoors.

The Story of Sprague: How It Began

Sprague has a bit of history, even though it's a small place. A post office, which is where people send and receive mail, was opened in Sprague in the year 1880. This post office served the community for many years, helping people connect with others through letters and packages. It stayed open until 1926.

Who Was Sprague Named After?

There are two main ideas about how Sprague got its name. Some people believe it was named after a man named Charles Sprague. He was a local storekeeper, meaning he owned a shop where people could buy things they needed. Others think the community was named to honor H. C. Sprague. He was an important official who worked for the railroad, which was a very big deal in those days for travel and moving goods. Both of these men were likely important figures in the area when the community was first forming.