Tavern Creek (Osage River tributary) facts for kids
Tavern Creek is a cool stream in Miller and Pulaski counties in the U.S. state of Missouri. It's like a smaller river that flows into a bigger one called the Osage River.
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Discovering Tavern Creek
Tavern Creek is an important waterway in central Missouri. It flows through two counties, Miller and Pulaski, and eventually joins the larger Osage River.
Where Does It Start and End?
Every stream has a beginning, called its headwaters. For Tavern Creek, its headwaters are in Pulaski County, near a town called Swedeborg. You can find its starting point at 37°54′42″N 92°22′19″W / 37.91167°N 92.37194°W.
The stream then flows for many miles until it reaches its end, which is called a confluence. This is where it meets and joins the Osage River. This meeting point is located at 38°19′04″N 92°17′24″W / 38.31778°N 92.29000°W.
Journey Through Missouri
From its start in Pulaski County, Tavern Creek begins its journey. It flows mostly northeast and then north. Along its path, it passes under several roads, like Missouri Route 133 and Missouri Route U, near the town of Crocker.
The creek then enters Miller County. Here, it continues its flow, passing under Missouri Route 17 and flowing about two miles east of Iberia. It also goes under Missouri Route 42 and passes by the communities of Brays and St. Anthony.
As it gets closer to the Osage River, Tavern Creek meanders north past the east side of St. Elizabeth. Finally, it flows into the Osage River within a special area called the Osage-Tavern Wildlife Area.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The name "Tavern Creek" has an interesting story! One idea is that the name came from a French word, caverne, which means "cave." Perhaps there were caves nearby that gave the creek its name.
Another popular story suggests that early pioneers thought the stream was like a "tavern." Why? Because there was so much water and so many animals, like deer and other game, living around the creek. It was a great place to find everything you needed, just like a welcoming tavern where travelers could find food and drink!
